Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 30, 2026 INVESTMENT | FROM PAGE 1 grams at six Massachusetts high schools, creating opportunities for approximately 500 additional students each year to gain hands-on training and prepare for good-paying jobs. EHS is receiving $1,014,000 of the $14.5 million in funding to modernize and expand its Medical Assisting and Programming and Web Development Chapter 74 CTE programs by renovating instructional spaces, installing a new clinical simulation laboratory, and upgrading technology. The improvements will add about 95 seats, increasing capacity from 105 to 200 students and expanding opportunities for hands-on training and industry credentials. The funding comes from the Career and Technical Education Annex Pilot Program, a state-funded initiative administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education to help schools build and expand REPLACEMENTS | FROM PAGE 6 and engineering; $755,400 is from the state Gaming Commission to cover land and marine based Police overtime and seasonal staffing for the marine fireboat and Silver Line right-of-way; $450,000 is also from the state Executive Office of Economic Development, for Commercial Triangle Phases 2-4 pre-construction, also including designing, permitting and engineering; $345,752 is from the state Office of Enertraining facilities and offer more programs in high-demand fields including health care, information technology, manufacturing and the skilled trades. “We thank Governor Healey and the Executive Office of Education for making this significant investment in CTE education,” said Superintendent of Schools William D. Hart. “We will use these resources to expose our students to the cutting-edge technology and hands-on experiences that lead to high-quality postsecondary and employment opportunities.” The new grants build on Governor Healey’s efforts to increase access to career and technical education and address growing demand from students and families. The funding will help comprehensive high schools add CTE programs, increase enrollment capacity and partner with vocational schools, employers and colleges to provide students with career-congy and Environmental Affairs for taking underutilized sites and segments of streets and converting them into green space. Another $250,000 is also from the state Executive Office of Economic Development, for the initial phase of research and study of unmapped and/or private stormwater pitfalls on the Mystic River waterfront and preliminary design to establish a modern and compliant stormwater collection and discharge system for areas near Beacham Street. nected learning opportunities, particularly in communities where access has been limited. “We’ve made major investments to expand career and technical education, and these new grants will create more seats and bring training programs to more high schools,” said Governor Maura Healey. We’re opening doors for students to pursue careers they’re excited about while building the skilled workforce Massachusetts needs.” “Career and technical education gives students real-world experience and a chance to discover what they’re passionate about,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These investments are bringing schools, employers and communities together to create more opportunities for young people to explore careers, learn valuable skills and build successful futures right here in Massachusetts.” The five other grant recipiAgenda items to transfer $50,000 from the Capital Stabilization Fund to the City Solicitor’s Office for operational needs and transferring $14,000 from the City’s Purchasing and Procurement personnel expense account to operating expense accounts for needs of equipment, furniture and ongoing contract management were referred to the Ways and Means Subcommittee for study. At the Government Operations, Public Safety and Public Services Subcommittee meeting before the full Council meeting, City Chief Development Officer Monica Lamboy briefed Subcommittee members Capone, Ward 4 Councillor Holly Garcia and Ward 6 Councillor Peter Pietrantonio on plans to designate a portion of unused American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available to small businesses that did not get a chance to apply for the assistance funds when they were allocated through grants in Fiscal Years 2021 and 2023 to help the country recover from economic hardships due to the COVID pandemic. The City received $47,200,000, with all funds needing to be obligated by the end of 2024 and ents are Fitchburg High School, Haverhill High School, Newburyport High School, North Middlesex Regional High School, and Watertown High School. “Too many students who want to pursue career and technical education have been unable to access these opportunities because programs are full or unavailable in their communities,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These grants will help us change that by creating more seats, modernizing learning spaces and supporting partnerships that bring hands-on STEM learning and career training to more students. The collaboration between Fitchburg Public Schools and Monty Tech is a great example of how schools can work together to expand access and create new pathways to college and careers.” The investment builds on Governor Healey’s efforts to expand access to career and technical education and create more pathways for students to colexpended by the end of this year. $26,640,000 was expended on City facilities and infrastructure; $6,640,00 on nonprofit organizations not involved with housing; $4,130,00 on direct housing assistance $4,030,000 on meals for senior citizens; $2,240,000 on administrative expenses; $2,070,000 on job training for students; $770,000 economic recovery assistance and $680,000 on other COVID responses measures, including buying masks. From the funds for City facilities and infrastructure, $9,900,000 was used to buy the Devens School; $9,320,000 was used for renovation work at the old High School to help convert it into classroom space for 7th and 8th grades, including work on the roof and hazardous material removal; $5,010,000, for water and streetscape work on Ferry Street, and $1,530,000, for renovations to the old Pope John High School for a redesign and hazardous material removal. “We were able to accomplish a lot in the old buildings and with infrastructure to set them up for future use without tapping into City funds,” Lamboy elaborated. Money for housing assistance and nonprofits not dilege and careers. The administration previously announced $70 million to expand career and technical education at 28 schools across Massachusetts, creating up to 2,500 additional seats for students. Together with the new CTE Annex Pilot Program grants, these investments are helping schools increase training capacity, modernize facilities, and expand access to hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in high-demand industries. “As we celebrate STEM Week and lift careers in STEM-related fields, we’re excited to be able to offer more students access to career and technical education programs,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “CTE programs, whether in CTE schools or more traditional high schools, are great preparation for in-demand fields such as manufacturing, health care and information technology.” rectly involved with housing went to groups including Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), Cambridge Health Alliance and La Comunidad. Funds were given to 42 small businesses that applied, about $17,600 each. Six other applications were denied because the intended use of the money was deemed ineligible. The application process included requirements to submit tax returns and other financial information to demonstrate need. Some and other entities were given 50% cash advances, with Lamboy now involved in work to recover unused funds for distribution to other small businesses. “It’s being tracked on a monthly basis,” she explained. “The payments ended in September and places are sending in their final reports,” which will yield a dollar amount for other businesses. Any unspent funds granted for various uses will have to be returned to the granting entities at the federal and state levels. “I wish we could have another round of economic recovery grants, but there isn’t the capability to do that,” Lamboy said. “It ends in December and that’s the end of the grant…”
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