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Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 13, 2024 A “topping off” for new Voke School The ceremonial last steel beam is hoisted up to its place in the steel framework of the future Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield. (Courtesy photo to the Saugus Advocate) By Mark E. Vogler S chool officials, including members of the Northeast Metro Tech School Committee, recently gathered for the “topping off ceremony” at the construction site of the new Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield. “This marks the completion of the steel structure for the new school,” said Peter A. Rossetti, Jr., the longtime Saugus representative on the School Committee. “It’s going to be a 400,000 square foot building when it’s done. To give you some idea of the size of the new building, the Market Basket in Chelsea is smaller than the new school is going to be,” he said. Topping off ceremonies are part of a long-standing custom that celebrates the construction process and is viewed as the first introduction of the building to the public. Once complete, the new school will serve an enrollASKS| FROM PAGE 4 system; we need a two-parment of 1,600 students. Northeast Metro Tech, which was built in 1968, currently serves about 1,280 students – including 170 students from Saugus. The new school will feature 21st-century learning environments, improved Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations, stateof-the-art shop and technical lab space, expanded program offerings, a new primary access roadway from Farm Street to reduce traffic congestion, a full-size gym, a 750-seat auditorium, outdoor learning space and a new cafeteria. “They’re going to be adding three new programs –” Rossetti said, “robotics, biotech and retail.” Current plans for the new school opening are for the fall of 2026. However, Rossetti said that depends on the project meeting its construction deadlines. A local environmental group has been protesting ty system to maintain our democracy. If we don’t start correcting at the local level, New St. Anthony’s Flea Market 250 Revere St., Revere, Lower Hall Indoor Flea Market Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Admission .50 Cents * Free with Ad Lot’s of New Vendors! New Vendors Welcome! For info, call Lynda: (781) 910-8615 Officials of the Northeast Metro Tech School District attended a recent “topping off” ceremony to celebrate the final steel beams installed in the structural skeleton of the new Northeast Metro Tech school in Wakefield. (Courtesy photo to the Saugus Advocate) the destruction of over 13 acres of forest for the building of the new vocational high school. The state Department of Environmental Protection has already denied two appeals, which have delayed the project. Rossetti said school officials learned last month that MassDEP needs another 90 days to consider a third appeal. “That could slow down the construction which could put us in a penalty situation which could cost taxpayers [the 12 communities served by the school district] some money,” he said. Meanwhile, competition for admission to the new school is increasing. Waiting lists are growing while the potential enrollment for some schools is shrinking. Saugus once had an enrollment of close to 200. The total number of Saugus students in the future has been projected to be 130 to we will become a one-party system, which is not what America was meant to be. It is up to us to keep our democracy. People need to understand that having a different political value is ok and does not always need to be negative. Q: Could you think of a presidential election where there are so few local choices on the ballot? No Republicans are running against these incumbent Democrats: State Sen. Crighton, State Rep. Giannino (two precincts in Saugus), Congressman Moulton, Clerk of Courts Driscoll or Governor’s Councillor Kennedy. Why the Preparing the last beam (Courtesy photo to the Saugus Advocate) 140 students. “What’s happening with vocational schools is they are getting more kids applying,” Rossetti said. “Twenty years ago, if kids were having trouble in high school, they’d be sent to a paucity of candidates running in the local election this year, especially on the Republican ballot? A: The Democratic Party, as I see it today, is a big money-making machine, and individuals on the Republican side just don’t have the power or money to challenge the machine created by the one-party system currently in place in the state. I hope change is coming. Q: What’s the state of the Republican Party in the nation? A: The Republican Party has become more united over the years, but it needs to grow, and we need you, voke school. But with the changes in our society, the trades are becoming a more desirable thing to do,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s better to be an electrician or a plumber than a liberal arts graduate,” he said. the people. Q: Let’s look ahead to November: the race for president. Are you optimistic? What do you think is going to happen? A: Well... I already feel that democracy was tainted when Kamala Harris was “appointed” by the Democratic Party and she did not receive one vote. How is that democracy – that your vote didn’t even matter? I am optimistic that this country will vote to correct the path we are on. Q: What are the strengths ASKS | SEE PAGE 9

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