Live Breaking News & Updates on Committee Chair Frank Parker
Stay updated with breaking news from Committee chair frank parker. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Everett’s Cady Steinberg got the bug to run for School Committee at least two years ago after attending a School Committee meeting, a meeting where she went to defend her sister-in-law – a teacher in the Everett Schools – but was told she couldn’t speak publicly. That ignited a spark in the Everett Public Schools product, who now is the administrator for the Boston University History Department, that finally grew into a real run for the Ward 2 School Committee seat this year. “This is really two years in the making,” she said. “I thought about it two years ago. The reason I didn’t is because of what a lot of women feel and that’s the imposture syndrome.” ....
With teachers now getting priority vaccination by the dozens in Everett, a tentative agreement has been reached between the Everett Teachers Association (ETA) and the school district to take the next step in its plan to return students five days a week by April 5. The final agreement is still in the works this week, according to ETA officials, and a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) would still need to be approved by the School Committee. However, with the vaccination dilemma solved at the state and federal level, it is unlikely that the plan would encounter any resistance on the Committee as most were in favor of a return as long as teachers were vaccinated. ....
The Everett City Council has seemingly decided that 10 is enough when it comes to the number of members on the School Committee. The Council and School Committee have been butting heads since late last year when the Council began a disagreement with the Schools over a CARES Act grant, and also voted suddenly to make Mayor Carlo DeMaria a voting member of the Committee amidst strong objections of the membership. That led to a new discussion about the Council adding an 11th member to the Board to prevent tie votes – with a 5-5 vote being a failed vote by Charter. Many members didn’t seemingly want another member on the Board, but in a unique part of the Charter, the Council can make decisions about the School Committee without their consult. ....
The Charter Change Home Rule Petition that would make the mayor a voting member of the School Committee passed both the state House and Senate on Jan. 5, and as of Tuesday was still waiting for Gov. Charlie Baker’s signature – though it was seen as something he would not object to. Mayor Carlo DeMaria said he was happy to see that the matter had passed the Legislature and he awaited action from the governor. “After carefully reviewing the petition, the Massachusetts Legislature passed the home rule petition and found that the City did not make any errors in the process used to submit the petition for consideration,” he said. “The Legislature also found that the proposal did not set any new precedent in the Commonwealth. I’m awaiting the Governor’s action on the bill that is now on his desk for signature.” ....