Overhaul of N.Y.C. School-Maintenance Program Proposed

By Karen Diegmueller

Schools Chancellor Ramon C. Cortines last week proposed a major overhaul of New York City's severely backlogged school-maintenance program.

But the plan, which comes in the wake of criticism from parents and city officials, carries a $7.5 billion price tag at a time when all city departments have been ordered to cut expenses.

"While our children for years have been paying the consequences of two decades of deferred maintenance and neglect, the time has come for us, this community's leaders, to pay as well,'' Mr. Cortines said in a statement accompanying...