HAVEHILL – A proposal to build a new Whittier Tech Regional School in Haverhill has been rejected by 10 of the 11 Massachusetts communities it serves.
Voters in Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Ipswich, Merrimack, Newbury, Newburyport, Raleigh, Salisbury and West Newbury all voted against the plan Tuesday. The only community to vote yes was Haverhill.
“College isn't for everyone. I think vocational school is better,” said Haverhill resident Diane Roe.
Building a new school will cost approximately $444 million, with communities within the district paying 40 percent of the cost. Leaders said the new building is needed to replace the current building since 1973 and maintain a 21st century workforce.
“I think this provides a very clear signal that we need to work together as a community and explore other options,” said Newberry, who advocated a “no” vote to rebuild. said Port resident Lisa Medina Smith, who is in charge of reimagining Whittier. plan. She said she does not oppose building new schools. Rather, she said she objects to the pricing, funding structure and lack of input from all towns. “There is certainly an opportunity to either reconsider the school through renovation or consider a different plan for rebuilding.”
“It is clear that the residents of 10 of the 11 sending communities do not support the current proposal to build a new Whittier Tech,” Superintendent Maureen Lynch said in a statement. “Whittier Tech's vision is to be a public school that serves cities and towns in a variety of ways, providing our students and adult learners with the best chance of success in whatever career path they choose, and supporting our local communities. We will continue to take the time to reevaluate how to best serve Whittier Tech's needs.”
According to the data, university enrollment has fallen by 4% and interest in various industries has increased in recent years. Whittier currently has more than 1,200 students, 22 different programs, and serves 11 communities.
“Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, everyone is dying for them,” one woman said.
“It's a good school. I loved Whittier and they have a great program,” said Brooke Bailey, who will graduate from the school in 2022. He is concerned about the likely loss of state and federal funding for the program, he said. “It will probably be a very long time before it appears again.”