THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021 Page 3 City Council questions need for new high school By Christopher Roberson T he City Council recently voted to postpone the request from the School Committee to accept the Statement of Interest (SOI) to construct a new high school. Mayor Carlo DeMaria has recommended using the land formerly owned by General Electric as the site for a new school. In addition, Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani said the building that currently houses Everett High School was designed to accommodate 1,800 students. However, enrollment has now swelled to 2,057 students. Therefore, she said, there have been discussions about repurposing the high school for students in grades 7-9. The other schools would then be for students in grades K-6. However, during the council’s May 24 meeting, Councillor-at-Large Michael Marchese said he could not justify building a new school. He said the former Everett High School building on Broadway could be an option as well as the building that formerly housed Pope John XXIII High School. “We got the real estate deal of a lifetime and got that school for $10 million,” Marchese said of the Pope John building, adding that it would take at least five years to construct a new high school. “I’m sure that place could be updated and could accommodate everything that we need. It’s on public transportation, there’s adequate parking – that’s what you’re looking for, not something that’s hidden down the other end of the city.” Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone said overcrowding in the schools has been a longstanding problem. He also Winners recognized for food assistance effort agreed with Marchese about considering the former Everett High School building and Pope John as potential sites for a new school. However, DeMaria’s Chief of Staff, Erin Deveney, said the City of Everett purchased the Pope John building with the intention of converting it into an affordable senior housing complex. “There’s some work that would have to be undone to consider that location,” she said. Yet, Marchese continued to focus on the Pope John building. “Not that I want to deny people affordable housing, but right now the need seems to be accommodating the children,” he said. Chief Financial Officer Eric Demas said the former Everett High School building was considered for an elementary school a few years ago. HowCOUNCIL | SEE PAGE 17 For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $1,210 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $1,210 Household of 1 = $39,105 Household of 2 = $51,137 Household of 3 = $63,169 Household of 4 = $75,201 On May 20, Mayor Carlo DeMaria presented a citation to Anthony Portillo (center), owner of Winners Sports Bar & Grill, who worked with other businesses to help more than 700 families before food assistance was available. They are shown with Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins (far left) and the owners of Pollo Royal. (Courtesy Photo) Everett residents graduate from University of New Hampshire D URHAM, NH – Diego Velasquez and Julia Passanisi, both of Everett, graduated from the University of New Hampshire on May 22. Velasquez received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and Passanisi graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Management and Policy. Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is May 28, 2021 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284
4 Publizr Home