Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022 ~ LETTER TO THE EDITOR ~ Vote “Yes” on new Northeast Metro Tech School to invest in the youth of Saugus for generations to come B ack in October when an article was presented to Town Meeting, I voted against supporting Northeast Metro Tech’s bid to fund a new school building project. I felt that it was a decision that needed to be left to the taxpayers because the cost of the project could not be substantiated through the town’s operating budget. Alternative measures would need to be looked at, the most prevalent being a temporary tax increase which will need to be voted on by the town (This was done a few years back to fund our new Middle/High School Project). A separate election will need to be held for a tax increase if the vote passes on January 25th. I graduated from Northeast in 2019 with a degree in Business Technology and I can say without a doubt that attending the Voke is the best decision I have ever made. It prepared me for the college journey I am on right now, which otherwise wouldn’t have been possible. The current building is falling apart. I saw firsthand the rain buckets in the hallways after a storm, the broken light fixtures and antiquated piping in the ceilings. There are only so many times that students can “bandage” the school back together. Most important of all, the current school is not fully handicapped accessible. I remember helping students with broken legs up the stairs because there is no elevator and they needed to get to class. Since graduation, classmates of mine have gone on to start their own small contracting businesses, join trade unions, apprenBUDGET | FROM PAGE 3 the district will stick with a strategy that has proven successful in communities that are driven to achieve academic success. “In FY 22, we restructured the use of our federal grants to reflect the realignment of our district and our focus on using student data to inform instruction,” McMahon said. “This focus will continue through professional development and coaching next school year. My experience in other towns and cities, as well as working directly for the Commissioner last year, taught me that districts that succeed are those who are able to focus relentlessly on what it will take to achieve our five-year goal of joining the top 10 percent in MA, and achieving our longterm vision,” she said. “To create a school district that breeds a culture of academic excellence, understanding and inclusion, by establishing consistency in instructional expectations and ensuring that every child has access to the qualiticeships and gone on to colleges like myself. The price tag of 317 Million may seem daunting, but the MSBA has issued Northeast 141 Million in grants. Leaving about 176 Million to be divided amongst the 12 Northeast feeder communities. Of this, Saugus will be responsible for 13.5% or about 23.8 Million, the exact figure will vary depending on student enrollment over the course of the 30 year bond. For most families, this will be an increase of $10-$15 per month. Times are tough right now, but ty educational materials they need to succeed.” The superintendent said the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of a community working together for the common good. She said she is grateful for the commitment of the School Committee, the town manager, selectmen, police, fire, the Department of in my opinion, it is a small price to pay for what will be a state-of-the-art facility which will house 400 more students than the current school and invest in the youth of Saugus for generations to come. On January 25th, I am asking that you vote YES in support of a new Northeast Metro Tech because it is what’s best for the students of today and especially the students of tomorrow. Andrew Whitcomb Former Town Meeting Member, Precinct 4 Northeast Class of 2019 Public Works, the Saugus business community, the Saugus Faith Community and social organizations – including the Lions Club. “Together, we share a common belief, that a strongly supported school district is the bedrock of our children’s future, and the foundation for a strong Saugus community,” McMahon said. THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, Jan. 23 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, Jan. 24 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting ***live***. Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting from Jan. 20. Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting ***live***. Friday, Jan. 28 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting from Jan. 20. Saturday, Jan. 29 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – SHS Hockey vs. Beverly from Jan. 22. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice***
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