Assistant Superintendent Warns of ADA Violations

Speaking before the City Council on Monday evening, Assistant Superintendent Christine Carver said the could lose millions in federal funding if it does not come into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

According to information presented by Carver, the Office of Civil Rights conducted a compliance review on March 30 and May 12 that included an inspection of the . Among the problems cited by the Office of Civil Rights was the fact that the school, which was built in 1970, has no classrooms that meet ADA standards.

“The problem is, if we don’t act on this soon we’ll be out of compliance with the Office of Civil Rights,” said Carver.

Carver noted in materials provided to the board that the School Building and Maintenance Committee decided that the results of a facilities condition assessment would determine whether it would be better to renovate the school as new or make the necessary changes. She said a delay in the receipt of bids put the schools off a timeline of voluntary corrective action, but that she has received a four-week extension from the Office of Civil Rights.

Carver warned that another extension is unlikely. Since the schools are required to meet ADA standards, a failure to comply could result in the loss of $7,853,107 in federal funds.

At least one classroom per program or department must meet ADA standards, which stipulate numerous requirements in areas such as the heights, knee space, reach range, and maneuvering space in classroom features and layout. Other areas that need improvement are the gym, which doesn’t have handicap accessible seating; the parking lot, which needs wider access aisles for handicapped spaces; and the bathrooms, which need to be accessible on each floor.

Carver specifically pointed out improvements that are needed for the elevator and the “S” wing of the school. She said people using the elevator currently need to cross a loading dock and the kitchen to access the cafeteria. The “S” wing as currently modeled requires handicapped people to go outside before they can go into the wing.

The Council did not take action on the item after determining that the matter could wait until the next meeting on the Feb. 22. Councilor Robert Pero said the school could begin applying for infrastructure grants, and Councilor Michael Buscetto III said the schools can work with the state legislators to determine any reimbursements or other savings available.

“It would be unfortunate if the city had to spend $50 million when in fact we could get more for our money,” he said.

The voluntary corrective action timeline calls for a needs assessment to determine the cost of necessary renovations to be completed in February or March. It also schedules the School Building and Maintenance Committee to make a decision on whether to make charges or renovate the building as new and make the recommendation to the City Council by May.