The principal of one of Baltimore's troubled middle schools sat next to his boss yesterday and told the state Board of Education that his school "is not in physical condition to open" next week.
Joseph Heaney, who was appointed principal of Calverton Middle School on July 12, ruefully described physical problems at the West Baltimore school, including arson damage from last spring that has yet to be repaired.
While he reported to the board, which has ordered the school to improve or face takeover, Patricia E. Newby, deputy superintendent, sat next to Mr. Heaney, nodding occasionally.
Both Mr. Heaney and Dr. Newby said Calverton would open on time Sept. 6, despite physical defects.
Board members thanked Mr. Heaney for his frankness but scolded his superiors. Noting that the school was designated for state "reconstitution" last winter but has not come up with a satisfactory plan for improvement, board member Morris Jones said, "Twelve-hundred children are not going to be well-served because your school isn't ready. Something is wrong at Calverton. It's not your fault, but it's somebody's fault."
Mr. Heaney, who moved to Calverton from Dr. Lillie M. Jackson Elementary, said repair and cleaning work scheduled in the school before his arrival last month had not been performed. Hallway gates have been destroyed or removed, Mr. Heaney said, and bathroom fixtures need to be replaced. He said he had been "relieved of all responsibility for the custodial staff" and that Calverton's lead custodian will be on vacation the opening week of school.
The new principal said he has spent most of his time on the job hiring staff and preparing schedules for 1,270 students due next week. Twenty of 43 teachers at the school will be first-year teachers, he said.
Dr. Newby told the board that a task force will be appointed immediately to address the problems at Calverton. "I invite you to visit the first day," she told the board. "We might not have been able to get to all the problems, but we'll get to most of them."
Nancy S. Grasmick, state school superintendent, said the Calverton status "shows we made the right decision" in designating Calverton for reorganization.
