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SSSD Set to be Taken Over By Summer

SSSD Set to be Taken Over By Summer - Friday, April 24, 2009 at 6:06PM EST

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- Eyewitness news has obtained a copy of the confidential transition plans. They include a private school from Pittsburgh taking over the Scranton State School for the Deaf and Marywood University taking over SSSD's property next summer.
On July 1st, the Scranton State School for the Deaf (SSSD) will be taken over by the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf (WPSD). That's according to a confidential three-year transition plan.

"We have to make cuts, it's a shame," said Governor Rendell while visiting Pottsville Friday. "But no other state in the union runs its own school for the deaf."

"I'd encourage Governor Rendell to do his homework," responded Ruth Gerrity, the President of SSSD's Teacher Association. "There are 41 states with state owned and operated schools for the deaf."

The state gave the private school in Pittsburgh $8.6 million this year. The Scranton state school received just $6.5 million after cuts in the fall.

"Taxpayers should be outraged because Governor Rendell seems more willing to send our tax dollars to a private school for the deaf, than a state owned and operated school," added Gerrity.

By the second year, the transition plan includes phasing out the residential program. That means any student who requires staying on campus, will have to go to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh. Also, Marywood University is set to take over the property next year.

"We're obviously looking to dispose of that property and get some money for it, and Marywood University would be a potential buyer, sure," said Governor Rendell.

It's not known at that point where, or if, classes would be held in Scranton.

Representative Kevin Murphy proposed legislation to keep the school open under state control.

"The closure of SSSD is not about dollars and cents, and it doesn't have the best interest of the students in mind," said Murphy. "There is another agenda in play here."

Murphy's proposal will be heard again next week before a vote in the House.

Also, we contacted Marywood University but received no comment regarding the school's plans to take over SSSD property next year.

Rep. Murphy and Gerrity encourage taxpayers who want to know more, or want to keep the SSSD open, to contact their local legislators.
 


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