Over the past several years, the residents of Everett have been witnessing a series of concerning decisions made by the city administration, particularly in the management of facilities. These decisions have left the community feeling unheard and have given rise to a lack of trust in the administration’s ability to prioritize their needs.

The denial of access to Pope John High School for educational purposes, the struggle with facility management, and the controversial investments in modular classrooms all highlight the paramount importance of providing suitable classroom space for our children. The lack of proper learning environments directly impacts the quality of education our children receive and their overall well-being.

Most recently, as  the Ward 3 City Councilor and a staunch advocate for children’s well-being, I cast my vote against proceeding with the installation of modular classrooms. The decision to invest in plans for this expansion has raised questions about the administration’s understanding of the critical need for classroom space for our children. It is imperative that we prioritize the educational environment Everett’s students deserve. Even if funding exists for a new high school, we’re a decade away from opening the doors to a new high school. 

Furthermore, there is growing concern about the proposed residential development in the area by the Mayor, a plan that faces opposition from abutters who fear its impact on the neighborhood. As a City Councilor and a passionate advocate for City Planning, I firmly believe that it is crucial to first establish a comprehensive master plan for that area of Ward 3 that prioritizes safe and effective development that works for the residents.

In addition to master planning, there is a pressing need to evaluate and update zoning ordinances before proceeding with large-scale developments. Our children’s educational and residential living environments should align with the best interests of the residents and their families. Affordable housing is critical to Everett’s future and the Old Everett High School gives us the opportunity to provide Senior affordable living. The vision that The Neighborhood Developers provided for PJHS would be better suited near Everett Square, since it has access to more transportation and shopping options. Unfortunately,  that plan doesn’t fit for a small group, which leaves me asking why…

While the Mayor’s plan for a new high school may be viewed as an outcome-based ego decision, it does not adequately account for the importance of public input in shaping our city’s future. The residents of Everett should play a crucial role in deciding the direction of our educational infrastructure, particularly when it concerns the well-being and education of our children. I support the plans for a vocational school, as they can provide valuable opportunities for our students, but I share the concerns about the proposed location. It’s essential that we carefully consider the suitability of the area for such a facility and the potential impact on our community.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that our last proposal for a school building to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which was ultimately rejected by the City, did not include the Rivergreen location as a viable option. This underlines the need for a more inclusive, community-driven process in selecting the best sites for our educational facilities.

In the coming months, we must prioritize open dialogue, public input, and a thoughtful, community-centric approach to ensure that the educational needs of our children are met. Everett is uniquely positioned to offer affordable and accessible classroom space that reflects the true wishes and aspirations of our residents while maintaining a steadfast commitment to our children’s well-being and education.

The residents of Everett deserve to have a voice in the decisions that shape their city and to ensure that the administration’s choices align with our collective vision for a brighter future for our children. The denial of access to Pope John High School and the ongoing issues with facility management emphasize the critical need for classroom space for our children and the importance of an inclusive approach that places their well-being at the forefront of our community’s future.