THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, June 7, 2019 Page 7 ~ Letter to the Editor ~ On school custodians T here are two very distinct differences in the Saugus effort not to privatize the school custodians in Saugus. There is the job description and there are the men and women who do those jobs. Value has sadly become the bottom line on a spreadsheet. In a small town with such a prideful history, I am taken with a population that has not only come to the defense of the people who ARE the school BUDGET | from page 1 gins on July 1. Town education costs drew much of the discussion as Town Meeting members voted 36-3 with three abstentions to approve the $90 million–plus operating budget for the new fiscal year. That includes $60.5 million for the town departments operating budget. Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member Richard P. Lavoie noted the line item funding for custodians in each of the individual school budgets and asked whether it is still DeRuosi’s “intent to fund” those line items or not. DeRuosi said he couldn’t discuss the situation “at this moment in time,” noting “ongoing negotiations.” Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo of Precinct 6 suggested that members consider usMUM ON CUSTODIANS: School Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. wouldn’t tell Town Meeting members whether he intends to fund custodian positions that are included in the budget they passed. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ing free cash or money from the stabilization fund to allow BUDGET | SEE PAGE 10 custodians, but also have expressed the deep respect for what THEY do. It is what defines the small towns in America. Sadly, there is a contingent of overseers in our town of Saugus who read their job descriptions and define “cost” to be a number on a spreadsheet. I don’t think any more needs to be said about what our school custodians do for THEIR town, children, parents, and teachers. So many have spoken out in so many ways. They are being tolerated like petulant children who are allowed to act out believing eventually they will tire and give up. In the end there may be a bottom line on the spreadsheet of someone in control who decides how our schools will be run and or taxes dispersed. It may have nothing to do with the heart of this town, but rather a will be bragging right when they are reviewed for their pay raise and job continuance. I am overwhelmed and saddened by the possibility that we have come to this. Gini Pariseau Saugus, MA 222 Central St. Saugus, MA 01906 (Next to Saugus Iron Works) 781-231-5990 2FREE ND MONTH on 10x10 units No administration fees. 200 new units available. All sizes to fi t your needs. New Customer Specials Offer valid at 222 Central Storage. Must present coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 6/12/19. www.222centralstorage.com FREE with Rental LOCK Visit Our Newly Expanded Facility. We will beat competitors pricing! (Restrictions apply.) www.reverealuminumwindow.com Friday, June 7 at 8:30 PM Singer/Musician DAVE MACK Saturday, June 8 at 8:30 PM DJ LOGIK Dance to all the Hits of Yesterday and Today! MONDAY'S SHUCK! $1.00 Oysters Book Your Special Events With Us! Call 781-629-3798 SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET Only $19.95 / 11am-2pm Featuring Al Whitney Jazz Band BOOK YOUR NEXT FUNCTION WITH US * GIFT CARDS AMPLE FREE www.marinaatthewharf.com 543 North Shore Rd. Revere 781-629-3798 PARKING AMAZING WATER VIEWS Come celebrate the end of an era. Join us for big family fun as we say farewell to live racing at Boston’s legendary track. JUNE 8 & 9 | JUNE 29 & 30 11:00 am to 5:00 pm • First Post 12:55 pm FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING LIVE THOROUGHBRED RACING · FOOD TRUCKS · FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES 525 MCCLELLAN HIGHWAY, EAST BOSTON • 617-567-3900 ON THE BLUE LINE @SuffolkDowns TheHometownFavorite SUFFOLKDOWNS.COM Open Year-Round for Simulcasting from Saratoga, Del Mar, and more. Reserve your unit NOW!
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