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Wilkes-Barre Area’s High School Dilemma

PLAINS TOWNSHIP —  There is now a clearer picture of the future of the public high schools in Wilkes-Barre. Since December, a number of options have been ...

PLAINS TOWNSHIP --  There is now a clearer picture of the future of the public high schools in Wilkes-Barre.

Since December, a number of options have been on the table including up to three new high schools.

However, at a meeting Thursday night, officials in the Wilkes-Barre area school district seem to be narrowing their options when it comes to replacing the aging Coughlin and Meyers high schools.

Two advisory committees presented their reports at the meeting held in the gym of Solomon/Plains Jr. High School.

"They have been working very hard in regards to gathering information for the school board, and bring back different view points for consideration," said Superintendent Bernard Prevucnak.

While no final decision has been voted on the  district leaders now seem focused on a plan that would cut the number of high schools from three to two.

The site of either Coughlin or Meyers would be re-built, but not both.

That plan would eliminates the need to buy new property.

Members of the advisory committees say cost was a major factor.

"It is more about, based on the money, we are focusing so much on this is what we have, that we are not really going to get the best for what we have," said Janice Watson-Holmes, External Committee member.

The idea of building a new high school in Plains Township seems to be falling out of favor.

Committee members say they had to  focus on the most financially feasible plan.

"We based everything on the factual evidence they gave us and the research  that we did, so the answer is yes, we should have the money," said internal committee member Colleen Yanora.

The school board is scheduled to meet again on June 8, a vote could follow a few days later.

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