THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, June 21, 2019 Page 3 School officials ponder preschool registration fee By Christopher Roberson n an effort to curb chronic absenteeism in the preschool program, school officials could implement a registration fee structure in September. During the June 17 School Committee meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Kevin Shaw suggested having two- and three-day options for three-year-old students as opposed the current five-day schedule. However, the fiveday program would continue to be used for the four-yearold students. “This is the students’ first introduction into the public schools,” said Shaw. “This is truly the bridge to our kindergarten program.” Shaw recommended implementing one-time fees of $100 for two days, $150 for three days and $250 for five days. Ward 5 Member Millie Cardello agreed that a fee structure is needed in the preschool program. “It’s high time that we do something,” she said. “I’ve been talking this up for over a year.” Because the preschool program has been free, Cardello said, parents who live outside of Everett will enroll their children in the program using the address of a relative who lives in the city. Member-at-Large Marcony Almeida Barros asked if preI school parents had been surveyed about the proposed changes. He also said $250 seems too high for the five-day program and suggested that it be lowered to $200. Shaw said he had a number of informal conversations with parents; however, a survey has not been conducted. “I don’t know that everyone will be pleased, quite honestly,” he said of the proposed fee structure. Ward 3 Member Frank Parker suggested reducing the rates by 50 percent for the first year to get parents accustomed to a fee structure; however, School Committee Chairman Thomas Abruzzese said more work would be needed before a fee structure could be solidified and put in place for the fall. Therefore, the committee voted unanimously to send the proposal back to the district’s administration. Review of fiscal year 2019 budget In other news, Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs Charles Obremski said that for the first time in decades, the School Department will be returning approximately $2 million to the city from its fiscal year 2019 budget. He said the final figure for last year’s budget was $83.8 million. Obremski said the district re8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 www.eight10barandgrille.com Kitchen Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12-10pm Fri-Sat: 12-11pm Sunday: 1pm-10pm Lunch Menu! Enjoy our Famous $10 Served Mon. thru Fri. ‘til 3:30 PM Choose from 16 Items! Grilled Rib Eye Steak! Only $22.00 includes Two Sides Every Friday FRESH HADDOCK DINNER Prepared Your Way! Includes two sides Now Featuring our BREAKFAST PIZZA & OMELET MENU Saturday & Sunday Only Served until 3:30 PM As low as 7.99% APR* For up to 12 Months Amounts from $500 — $5,000 • VACATIONS • EXTRA CASH • PAY BILLS & MORE APPLY ONLINE: MEMBERSPLUSCU.ORG/SUMMER-SIZZLER-LOAN MORE INFO: (781) 905-1500 *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Payments for 7.99% APR for 12-months are approximately $87.00 per month per $1,000 borrowed. Payment does not reflect disability and/or credit life insurance and may differ slightly due to rounding. Terms up to 12 months. Minimum loan amount $500 and maximum loan amount $5,000. APR is based upon member’s credit score. Rates listed above reflect excellent credit scores. Rates effective May 28, 2019 and subject to change without notice. Membership requires a $25 deposit in a share/savings account. Pictured is Attorney John Mackey preparing to present Attorney Janis Stanziani with the Lucas Award and the FDEMBA Board Members with Justice Scott Kafker, from left to right: Attorney John Mackey, Attorney Katherine Brown, Justice Kafker, Attorney Michael Kelly, Attorney Patricia Ridge, Attorney Margaret Carleen and Attorney Roland Hughes. ceived an additional $2.5 million in Chapter 70 money in November 2018, which allowed 85 staff members to be hired. Last year’s operating budget topped out at $79.1 million and $4.7 million was allocated for special education transportation. First District Eastern Middlesex Bar Association hosts annual Awards Dinner O n June 6 the First District Eastern Middlesex Bar Association (FDEMBA) held its annual Awards Dinner Banquet at The Continental Restaurant in Saugus. The special guest speaker was Justice Scott Kafker of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. The Joseph E. Croken Award went to Debra Duffy, Office Manager at the Malden District Court. The Robert F. Lucas Award went to Attorney Janis Stanziani. The Paul P. Carradonna Award went to Attorney David Twohig.
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