Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 2, 2012 Midland Park The bleachers at the “Sonny” Santorine Athletic Field at Midland Park High School have been permanently closed and will be demolished. “In a decision reflective of the district’s focus on safety as a top priority, the MPHS bleachers have been deemed unsafe for occupancy and are permanently closed as of Wednesday, April 25, 2012,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marie Cirasella said in an email sent out last week to the school community. Board President William Sullivan said that bleachers with equivalent seating capacity would be rented to accommo- High school bleachers closed down permanently date guests at graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2012, scheduled for June 15. He said the business administrator was in the process of pricing out both the demolition and the rental costs. Sullivan said that the decision to abandon the bleachers, which date from the 1950s, was made following a periodic inspection by the district’s insurance carrier, who deemed the bleachers to be a problem. He explained that in the past, the maintenance staff inspected the structure and would replace any wooden planks that needed to be removed. He said that after graduation, which is the next major event that will need considerable seating, the board will look at several options for the fall sports season. Dr. Cirasella said the board plans to schedule two Community Input Forums this month, one at MPHS and another at Highland School to provide residents with opportunities to express their perspective on the needs of the district facilities. More information on dates/times for these forums, billed as “open dialogues” will be forthcoming in the near future, Dr. Cirasella said. The 61st National Day of Prayer will be observed in Midland Park on Thursday, May 3 at the Midland Park Firehouse on Witte Drive. Attendees will gather at noon to pray for the well-being of America. Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan and National Day of Prayer planned clergymen from several of the borough’s churches will be participating. This year’s theme is “One Nation Under God.” For more information, contact the Midland Park Church of God at (201) 445-3814. All are invited.