Budget Shortfall, Need For Upgrades Makes West Elementary Expendable

Superintendent Troy Unzicker had little room to maneuver as he stood in front of a crowd of concerned citizens the night of January 30, at McNees Auditorium to discuss the fate of West Elementary.

"We're all reluctant to close the building," Unzicker said. "But we don't see a lot of options."

Unzicker started the forum by explaining the school's financial situation, and what would be needed to keep the public school system afloat.

"Right now, I still look at being approximately $200,000 short in paying our bills. What that means is our district for maybe the first time will have to borrow f...