Have a Safe & Happy St. Patrick's Day! Vol. 35, No. 10 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday CITY COUNCIL: No, they did NOT try to cancel Fourth of July festivities this year Unanimous vote places proposal to scale back Councillor paychecks on file By Steve Freker A s the Gatekeeper for the Wizard of Oz, stationed at the entrance to the Emerald City, once said, “No way, no how!” Considering all the hullabaloo that sprung up that night, one would have thought someone proposed canceling Christmas, the Lunar New Year and several other holiday celebrations — in one fell swoop. Namely, not happening. You know, in Malden, it would not be too far removed from that in a lot of people’s hearts, especially the “Malden lifCOUNCIL | SEE PAGE 4 617-387-2200 Friday, March 13, 2026 ~ Political Announcement ~ Ryan O’Malley announces candidacy for State Senate T o the residents of Malden, Melrose, Wakefield, Stoneham, Reading, and Winchester: Over the last few weeks, I have met with many residents across our district to learn about the issues that are important to you. Based on those conversations, I am excited to formally announce that I am running to be your next State Senator for the Fifth Middlesex District. I have served on the Malden City Council for the last 10 years where I have advocated for public education, government accountability, environmental justice, and the economic development potential of public art. During this time, I have witnessed the impact SENATE | SEE PAGE 9 Due to the Malden municipal finance crunch, City Councillors will be discussing potential budget cuts for the next several months, including before and after the Proposition 2 1/2 Override vote. (Courtesy Photo) SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Malden Public Schools last day of classes extended due to ‘snow days’: June 22 for MHS, June 23 for K-8 There will be no classes for K-8 students on Tuesday, March 31 due to special election, voting on Proposition 2 1/2 Override ballot questions By Steve Freker The most prolific snowfall in 11 T here is probably nothing that brings a smile to schoolchildren quicker than those cherished words, “Snow Day!” They even made a major motion picture about this type of heralded event back in 2000. Kids loved that movie, too. Through a vote of the Malden School Committee at its most recent meeting, March 2, the “other shoe dropped,” however, when the members voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of Superintendent Timothy Sippel and update the 2025-2026 school calendar. years this winter season — which is not over yet — which dumped over 60 inches of snow so far in Malden and the region, resulted in four “no school” snow days. The four snow days are also the most days off for weather events for the Malden district since 2015. The Malden Public Schools, like all Massachusetts public school districts, are bound by state law mandating students are in classes for 180 school days. When the school calendars are established a year in advance, all districts plan for a standard five extra “snow days” to SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 5 Timothy Sippel Superintendent of Schools Malden City Councillor Ryan O’Malley has announced his campaign for the State Senate. (Courtesy photo) School Committee Vice Chairperson Spadafora resigns leadership role Special to the Advocate M alden School Committee member Jennifer Spadafora announced via social media last week she was resigning from her leadership role as Vice Chairperson. First elected to represent Ward 3 in 2017, Spadafora was reelected to a fifth consecutive term this past November 2025. On Inauguration Night in January, she was also reelected as Vice Chair, for the third consecutive term, having served in RESIGNS | SEE PAGE 7 Jennifer Spadafora Malden School Committee
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