School for Deaf files injunction

SCRANTON - Attorneys for the Scranton State School for the Deaf filed a preliminary injunction in federal court Monday to stop the implementation of a transition plan.

The chairwoman of the school’s board of trustees, the school’s superintendent, a state representative and the head of the school’s education association all blasted the proposed plan.

Attorney Drew Christian of Scranton filed for the preliminary injunction in federal court in Scranton, asking the court to stop the state from closing the school until legal proceedings are resolved.

“No one has made a valid point on why the school should be closed,” said state Rep. Kevin Murphy, D-Scranton. “The proposed transition plan doesn’t make any sense. If we had a study based on fact and research, then we could discuss possible actions. But we are not there yet.”

Murphy has proposed legislation – House Bill 1318 – and he has 88 co-signers. He said the bill would mandate the House Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and research to determine if closing the school is a fiscally sound decision and in the best interests of the students.

“There is apparently a complete disconnect between the Department of Education, education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak, the governor’s office and the school,” Murphy said. “This is about Marywood University wanting to use part of the grounds for its school of architecture. It all comes back to whether these students’ educational needs are being considered. That should always be the top priority.”

Murphy said he has petitions signed by 50,000 people supporting keeping the school open.

“The sad part about this whole experience is that the largest stakeholders were never invited to the table to make our case,” said Marge Davison, chairwoman of the school’s board of trustees.

Davison said the board and school officials have yet to receive a copy of the proposed transition plan. She said everyone connected with the school were shocked to learn Mellow had withdrawn his support to keep the school open.

“We have received information that the plan exists and will be implemented June 30,” Davison said. “The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf – a private school – will take over administration of the school.”