"It's imperative that I bring this forward this evening," she told school committee members last night.

D'Alessandro had warned members of the steering committee last week that she needed to make her recommendation tonight so repair work and planning for next year could get underway.

Parents also said they worried that the $1.1 million was offered instead of larger-scale renovations, which the architectural study said could cost as much as $12 million.

"The inability of the steering committee to make a recommendation is not about a lack of support for the Maynard," said Cheryl Kennedy, a Fletcher parent. "I don't think there can be a recommendation without the promise of major reconstruction."

Whitlow, who regularly passes out fliers at steering committee meetings, has said renovation funds are essential for the merged school.

Last week she distributed a page proclaiming "No Money, No Merger!"

The handout featured a caricature of D'Alessandro with a pointed chin and bald spot on her head, clutching a satchel labeled "$141,000 salary."

In speech bubbles, the cartoon showed D'Alessandro saying, "Baaah, go find your own funds!" and "All I care about is my resume."