Around the city…

Christmas Tree and holiday lights at Wehner Park.

Christmas approaching!

Christmas isn’t just approaching. It is barreling down on us like a runaway freight train.

Christmas music can already be heard on radio stations. Christmas trees have been for sale locally for about ten days.

It is not the end of November and Christmas is already upon us.

The city will be having the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting celebration on December 1, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Everett Square.

The mayor and his family will be there to throw the switch, as they say, that lights the lights that so many residents take pleasure in seeing.

This Christmas season will prove to be the most costly in decades for all our residents, what with inflation – but inflation doesn’t do very much to dim the spirit that comes with Christmas.

See you at the Christmas Tree Lighting in Everett Square – and let’s all try to be very grateful that we’re all here to celebrate the holiday.

Continue reading “Around the city…” →

Sarnie Candidate For School Committee At Large

My name is Cynthia Sarnie and I am asking for one of your 3 votes on Nov 7th for School Committee At Large. I am running for School Committee at Large, because I want to make a real difference in the lives of our students and the future of our schools. I have served for the city government for over 15 years. I care about the city including our children and residents of our community. I want to take a moment to share a bit more about myself. I believe that my experiences, my dedication, and my passion make me a strong candidate for this important role.

I lost both my parents by the age of 16. When I was junior in high school my teachers and guidance counselors help me through the toughest years of my life. This experience has helped me recognize the importance of teachers and the education community.

I have witnessed the incredible potential that our school holds. I have seen the amazing talent and creativity of our students and the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff. I am a firm believer in open communication and collaboration. If elected, I promise to be a voice for all students and teachers and a bridge between our school’s administration and its students. I will actively seek out your ideas, concerns, and feedback to ensure that our school committee decisions truly reflect the desires of our community. I envision a future where every child, regardless of their background has access to a high quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge and confidence to pursue their dreams. I believe in fostering an environment where teachers are supported and empowered to excel in their vital roles.

I am committed to ensuring that our schools are safe.

Continue reading “Sarnie Candidate For School Committee At Large” →

School Committee up for grabs

Crowded field already at 18

By JOSH RESNEK

As of Tuesday, 18 men and women have taken out nomination papers for School Committee seats.

With the mayor’s effort not just to get himself re-elected, but to control the School Committee by packing it with his own slate in full swing, there is a great potential for a substantial change of representation on the board.

The School Committee Ward 6 race epitomizes the moves being made to replace an influential incumbent.

Attorney Thomas Abruzzese, the former chair of the School Committee who was instrumental in hiring Superintendent Priya Tahiliani, is being set for extinction by the mayor, sources claim.

Unbelievably enough, the mayor is said to have enlisted Councilor Mike Mc- Laughlin to run in Ward 6 in the effort to unseat Abruzzese.

Abruzzese has been beset by serious difficulties regarding two sons who both work for the school department, and who have both been involved in legal entanglements inside and outside of school.

Continue reading “School Committee up for grabs” →

Money a challenge for starting schools

Everett High School. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

Many people still divided on reopening in fall

By JOSH RESNEK

With a good deal of time remaining in July for discussion about what school reopening will look like here, everyone involved, from teachers to administrators, to parents, to students reveal a convolution of meaningful concerns – all of which seem to make sense when presented, according to an Everett school official.

“Many are divided about reopening or not reopening. Some are very keen to come back. Others are not so keen. Teachers remain reserved,” said the official.

Planning continues inside the superintendent’s office.

The state has required three possible scenarios in order for reopening to take place.

Remote learning is on the table; in person learning inside buildings is being planned out; a combination of the two must be planned for as well.

These plans must be submitted by the first week in August.

Continue reading “Money a challenge for starting schools” →

Everett Public Schools in disarray

Staff Report

Crazy and unprecedented happenings littered today’s end of year department meeting at Everett High School. Principal Erick Naumann has called a full staff meeting for Wednesday at 10AM to address sweeping budget cuts to come.

Superintendent Priya Tahiliani is making good on her promise to save teacher-to-student instruction. And teachers are saying this is the most massive budget cutting of administrators they have ever seen.

The emphasis was on making sure as many certified classroom teachers were retained in anticipation of DESE Covid-19 regulations in the fall.

The mandate calls for class sizes of 10 or less. This is a huge issue in Everett schools as classes are routinely 30-35 students. So now, instead of one teacher per 30 students, it willhave to be three teachers per 10 students.

It has become, as one department head stated, an “All hands on deck” situation with certified teachers. The sweeping changes also requires all EPS staff (outside of one building principal, one vice principal and a skeleton crew of clerical /secretary type) have a teaching certificate in some content area and will be teaching a full course load.  This includes all coaches, all substitute teachers, etc. Here’s a list of the cuts: