Vote “Yes” on Jan. 25 for a new Northeast Metro Tech School

Dear Saugus Voters:

  During the Special Town Meeting held on October 18, 2021 I voted to have the voters decide if Northeast Metro Tech should receive money from Saugus for a new school.

  First of all, it IS time to replace the existing school.

  The HVAC system was never quite right even when I worked there many years ago. It has been repaired over and over and now the pipes are corroded. The ramps allow challenged students to access only one floor and limits their career possibilities so it is not ADA compliant. Every bit of space is currently being used – but more space is needed. There is only one road in and out of the property and the state wants that corrected.

  Secondly, the new plan calls for space for 1600 students which means that the waiting list for Saugus will be accommodated faster. If you have tried to hire a plumber, a carpenter, or other tradesman, you know you have to wait a long time. If we train more students in the trades we’ll have less time to wait for repairs. And all the complaints about the school can be corrected.

  Thirdly, The proposed new school will cost about $317,400,000! The state has promised to pay $141,000,000! Saugus’ portion to pay is estimated at $40,500,000! (The Northeast Leadership team continues to search for additional money from untapped sources.) It would add an additional cost to each household but when the debt is paid it will go away, this tax will not continue, it will be excluded. If we put it off, it will only get more expensive!

  Please, during the Debt Exclusion vote on January 25th at our new Middle-High school, consider voting YES for the reasons listed above. Vote YES to send more students for the vocational training that they and we all need!

Sincerely,

Joyce Rodenhiser