SAUGUS Vol. 25, No. 2 -FREETh e Advocate – A household word in Saugus! DVVD F or Saugus Public Schools to realize its goal of “catapulting” from the bottom 10 percent of Massachusetts public education systems to the state’s “Top 10,” the district www.advocatenew V CATE ll O ATCT ublished Every Friday ublish 781-233-4446 Friday, January 14, 2022 The price of excellence Saugus Snow Sailor Superintendent McMahon seeks a $1.5 million increase in School Department budget to reach top 10 educational goal in fi ve years By Mark E. Vogler needs to make sure its budget “is aligned” to that objective, Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon Erin McMahon declared this week. That was her message to the Saugus School Finance Subcommittee on WednesSaugus girls grind out win over Beverly day night as she briefed members on the $1.5 million increase she has proposed for the School Department budget for the 2023 Fiscal Year that begins July 1. Her budget request is just over $31 million – an increase of 4.87 percent of the current school spending plan. McMahon’s proposed budget received rave reviews and the endorsement of the Finance Subcommittee. She had planned to make a budget presentation last night before the full School Committee. Members are expected to vote on the budget at next week’s meeting (Jan. 20). “The truth of the matter is we could have asked for a lot more,” School Committee ViceChair Vincent Serino said. The School Department would be justifi ed in seeking a higher amount, according to Serino. McMahon said that she and Senior Captain Fallon Millerick had an outstanding game for the Sachems as Saugus defeated Beverly, 35-32, last Tuesday night. See page 12 for story and photo highlights. Pola G. Andrews, the School Department’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, “could have gone north of $2 million.” The School Department budget has been a subject of great contention in recent years. McMahon’s predecessor – David DeRuosi, Jr., who served as Saugus School SuBUDGET | SEE PAGE 2 WINTER LEAVES ITS MARK: Last Friday’s snowstorm whitened up the Civil War monument in the rotary at Saugus Center, particularly the sailor. See inside for more photos and this week’s “Saugus gardens in the winter” to fi nd out what fl owers are still blooming in winter. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) A Holiday Surge F COVID-19 totals soar in Saugus Public Schools after students return from vacation By Mark E. Vogler rom Sept. 8 through Dec. 22 – the Wednesday before Christmas vacation – the four buildings that make up Saugus Public Schools combined for 252 confi rmed COVID-19 cases. That averages out to close HOLIDAY | SEE PAGE 8 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.239 Mid Unleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.479 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.99 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.299 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS to 17 cases a week for the entire school system. But during a one-week period that encompassed the fi rst three days of school after students returned from the holidays, the School Department reported 274 casPrices subject to change Have a Safe & Happy New Year! FLEET
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