City Council, RTA, Student Senate discuss increasing safety at RHS

By Barbara Taormina

Safety and security at Revere High was on the City Council agenda this week, with City Council President Anthony Cogliandro calling on Mayor Patrick Keefe and School Superintendent Dianne Kelly to meet with councillors with an update on measures being taken to keep students and staff safe. Teachers, students, parents and School Committee members turned out for the meeting to share their views on the recent fights at the high school. One of the common themes highlighted by those who spoke was frustration with the depiction of Revere High in the media.

In a letter to the City Council, the Revere High Student Senate wrote that the dehumanization and mischaracterization of Revere High School students has been hard on the school and the community. Still, many who spoke said it was because of the press coverage that the district is moving toward positive change.

Several teachers thanked the City Council for listening to their concerns, which they feel have been ignored and downplayed by the administration and school committee. “Educators, staff and students have been sounding the alarm for years,” said Michelle Ervin, co-president of the Revere Teachers Association (RTA).

Ervin went on to say there still has been no collaboration with the RTA and students. Ervin blamed the divide on hubris, pride and ego, and she urged school officials to come back to the table and work together with teachers.

Cogliandro tried to keep the discussion centered on safety and security, but most of the teachers who spoke at the meeting focused their remarks on unacceptable class sizes and lack of support staff, which they consider a safety issue.

Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna asked if there was an increase in safety issues after the district discontinued the Seacoast alternative program, which gave students a smaller academic environment.

RTA Co-president Jane Chapin offered a list of measures the RTA believes will increase safety and security. The union has called for a district-wide reporting system of incidents, wraparound services for special education students, more paraprofessionals, adjusted recess times and fair and competitive wages.

The Student Senate has launched a student-organized, student-run forum called RHS Talks, and they are surveying students – collecting data related to safety and security issues. The Senate also supports more mentorships and services for at-risk students.