Parents try to save University School

Parents of IUP's University School students are still trying to save the school, according to Barbara Peace, whose second-grader attends the school.

"We are working with a national corporation and a private supporter to develop a model for a science- and technology-based school within the next two years," Peace said.

The new school will have a concept similar to the University School but might have a higher tuition, according to Peace.

Jack Frank, formerly employed at IUP for 25 years in student services, had two children attend the University School more than 15 years ago.

"I know the University School was big on computers and working with children in the special education department, and the special education majors could work with the children. They tried to go above and beyond and do things that other schools couldn't do," Frank said.

Peace also said the new school hopes to maintain a relationship with IUP because of the success of past interaction.

"The caliber of the teachers, with Ph.Ds, who dedicate their lives to teaching, give 110 percent all the time. There is such a diversity in the kids, and it's such a unique place for them to learn," said Peace.

"It's an excellent program, and I hope that somebody could find some way to keep it open. I think if IUP would give them time to work for another year, then maybe they could find a way to keep the school," Frank said.

The no-confidence vote might have hurt the fight to save the school, according to Peace.

Peace said the Board of Trustees also claimed to be saving upwards of $800,000 by closing the school when it was closer to a few hundred thousand. The parents were disappointed with the amount of cooperation from the Board of Trustees, she said.

"The University School was used as a pawn in somebody else's battle. The issues were used as a play between the union and the administration and we felt compromised," Peace said.

Peace and Frank are two of many parents concerned about losing the University School, according to Judy Hechtman, University School director.

"The University School was considered to be great and had a national reputation. It seems in recent years the university has been downplaying the school. It will be a real shame to lose the University School," Frank said.