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Nick Kostan

School Super Quest to Begin in Lynn

By Dan Baer/The Daily Item, October 6, 2008

LYNN - The search for outgoing Superintendent Nicholas Kostan’s successor could officially begin next week as School Committee members and city officials work to schedule a special meeting.

The committee had originally changed its meeting schedule for the month from two meetings on the Oct. 9 and 23 to one meeting on the Oct. 16 to accommodate schedule conflicts and the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur on Oct. 9. Now, committee members are hoping to revisit the plans to meet twice this month so that they can come to an agreement on how to move forward with the hiring process.

School Committee Secretary Thomas Iarrobino said Friday that the meeting is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m., but he is still trying to coordinate the time and date with everyone’s schedule.

Rumors surrounding who would be the next superintendent started swirling almost immediately after Kostan announced his retirement at a Sept. 25 meeting. Names that have been bantered about include Ford School Principal Claire Crane, Deputy Superintendents Jaye Warry and Catherine Latham and Classical High School Principal Warren White, among others.

Kostan said he would retire as “close to January as possible,” leaving open the opportunity to stay on longer if the administration has a difficult time with the transition.

The first decision the committee must make is whether to immediately post the job and begin interviewing permanent candidates or appoint an interim superintendent to work with Kostan until the first of the year, and then finish out the school year.

Mayor and School Committee Chairman Edward J. Clancy Jr. went on record last week as a strong supporter of hiring an interim for this year, and suggested White may be the man for the job.

Clancy would prefer to have someone train under Kostan and keep the rest of the current administration intact given that the change will come mid-year.

He said he does not have any permanent candidates in mind, unlike seven years ago when he virtually hand-picked Kostan for the job, but feels that White’s experience and familiarity with the School Department would allow for a fluid transition until the committee can post the job next summer.

Other committee members would rather see a decision made now for the future and avoid giving anyone a five-month tryout for the job.

Longtime committee member Donna Coppola says that this is a critical time for the School Department, and she wants to see the committee go all-out to find the best candidate so that the next superintendent has a long-term investment in the district come budget time.

According to School Committee Attorney John Mihos, the committee must post the job for 30 days once they plan on hiring a full-time, permanent replacement for Kostan, but if the committee decides to first hire an interim superintendent they may appoint whomever the committee sees fit for the position.

Mihos said past committees have used both methods when searching for a superintendent.

Clancy Proposes Superintendent's Replacement

By Dan Baer / The Daily Item, September 29, 2008

LYNN - Days after Superintendent of Schools Nicholas Kostan announced his retirement Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. says he has someone in mind to step in after the first of the year.

Speaking Monday morning, Clancy said he would encourage the School Committee to insert Classical High School Principal Warren White to the position on an acting basis, citing consistency as the primary reason for the choice.

Kostan announced his retirement to the School Committee Thursday night, planning to step aside as close to Jan. 1 as possible. Because his retirement falls in the middle of the school year, the most likely scenario is that the School Committee would hire someone on an interim basis and made a decision on a permanent replacement over the summer. 

Clancy said that unlike seven years ago when he knew Kostan was the man for the job, he does not have anyone specific in mind this time around. Hiring White would keep Kostan’s current administrative team in tact heading in to fiscal year 2010 budget talks and maintain stability in the School Department until the School Committee can conduct a larger search.

“Warren White would be the interim or acting superintendent then there would most likely be a full search,” Clancy said. “Unlike seven years ago, I truly don’t have anyone in mind for the job. I don’t believe in charades, if I think someone is the right person for the job, why kid people. Warren brings stability, he is a known quantity, he has served in a variety of positions and most of all, he will not disturb the table.”

Kostan and White have followed similar career paths in the Lynn public school system, both having been principal at Breed Middle School and vice principal at Classical before assuming the job of principal. Kostan held the spot from 1993-1999 when he became Deputy Superintendent, while White was hired to lead the school in 2003, a spot he maintains today.

White holds a Masters in Education from Suffolk University and is certified for the position of superintendent. White was a candidate for deputy superintendent in 2006, but was passed over in favor of current deputies Jaye Warry and Catherine Latham.

Although superintendent is a job that White ultimately desires, he said it is too soon to know what will happen once Kostan retires.

“I am certified for the superintendent position and I have applied for the deputy position in the past,” he said. “Right now everything is too new to make any decision.”

Clancy said if White is approved by the School Committee he would prefer to have him begin working with Kostan soon so he is better prepared to take over after the first of the year. 

Nicholas Kostan Lynn Superintendent Kostan to Retire By Dan Baer / The Daily Item, September 26, 2008 LYNN - On a night when School Committee members discussed uncertainty in the budget going forward, Superintendent Nicholas Kostan announced that someone else would be leading the administration into the next round of financial negotiations this winter. After 38 years in the Lynn Public Schools, the last seven spent as Superintendent, Kostan announced Thursday that he would officially retire from his post after the first of the year. Kostan did not set a hard date for his last day on the job, but told committee members that he would like to retire as close to Jan. 1, 2009 as possible. "I have had a great opportunity here and I want to thank the Mayor, the present School Committee and all past committees that I have worked with for giving me the opportunity to be superintendent of schools," he said. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Lynn, and especially the kids, for the past seven years." School Committee members responded to Kostan's announ-cement with a standing ovation and a slew of kind words for a man many referred to as an inspirational and compassionate educator. "It has been said that you were the 'man among many who never fought with any,'" said Committee Vice Chair Patricia Capano. "You are the single most capable man and I am both impressed an inspired by you." Former Lynn Woods Principal and Committee member Vincent Spirito lamented about time spent as Kostan's friend and colleague and said the department would miss his genuine concern for every student. "You are a very compassionate man and I feel the most important feature is that you really care about kids," he said. Kostan worked his way through the Lynn Public Schools as a teacher, vice principal and eventually principal at Breed Middle School and Classical High School before he was appointed deputy superintendent in 1999. He was then selected to take over for the embattled James Mazareas in 2002, repairing what many deemed as irreversible communication problems within the department. School Committee members praised Kostan Thursday for his leadership through the first years of the MCAS era in Massachusetts and for "helping lead Lynn Public Schools in to the 21st Century." "I don't think that any person has served in that position for any amount of time and brought such a quiet dignity, a professionalism and wore his big heard on his sleeve," said Committee Chair Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. "We are a poorer school system and a poorer community without Nick's class and dignity. This is kind of a sad night." Kostan said he would remain with the department for the next few months to help with the transition to his yet-to-be-named successor. "I did not get enough time to get to know the superintendent, but I can tell that he is a very gentle person and a gentleman and a friend," said first-year Committee member Maria Carrasco. "He was the first person to call me and say 'if you need anything, Maria, I am here.' "

Donation Makes Possible Lynn's YMCA Computer Center

By David Liscio, The Daily Item of Lynn, 2/15/07

LYNN - A former Lynn woman’s private donation made through the WARM2Kids foundation will create a computer learning center at the Greater Lynn YMCA.

WARM2Kids, which stands for We Are Role Models 2 Kids, is partnering with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and other organizations to help develop computer learning centers and other programs aimed at youth.

On Tuesday, former Boston Celtics coach and NBA standout M.L. Carr joined Lynn YMCA Branch Director Audrey Jimenez, Eric Doucette from WARM2Kids, former Lynn resident RoAnn Costin of Cambridge and others in accepting Costin’s donation and unveiling the computer center. The funding paid for 10 new computer workstations with flat screens and two printers, according to Jimenez.

“It’s pretty cool because the woman making this possible grew up in Lynn and spent a lot of time at the Y,” said Jimenez. “She called the foundation and told them she wanted to make a donation for a computer learning center and that it would have to go specifically to the Lynn YMCA.”

As a budding female athlete, Costin often relied upon the YMCA pool since male athletes were often given priority at area facilities. She later became a key member of the swim and dive team at Harvard. Looking back, she attributed her experience at the Lynn YMCA as crucial to her success, affording her an opportunity to compete at the national level.

“For that, I will be forever grateful to this institution,” said Costin, whose individual sponsorship makes possible another venue for city youth in search of after-school activities.

The computer center is already operational and will soon be provided with Internet access.

Jimenez said the Lynn YMCA is on the cutting edge of the WARM2Kids program because organizers plan to take it nationwide, using professional athletes as role models.

“Their foundation works to find funds and equipment to open learning centers at different agencies for kids, especially those who still don’t have access to computers,” she said. “Kids need a safe and productive place to go after school. Studies have shown that from 3-6 p.m. is when they get into trouble.”

For more information on the WARM2Kids Charitable Foundation, go online to www.warm2kids.org.

According to its mission statement, the organization’s goal is to become the 21st century’s leader in providing financial, educational, and emotional support for today’s youth. The foundation supports youth education, development and mentoring programs nationwide; and awards, scholarships and grants designed to inspire role model behavior.

It’s philosophy adopts the old African proverb that it takes a whole village to raise a child, and for that reason, asserts that “we are all role models.”

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Former St. Mary’s hockey captain Patrick Reddy, who was killed in a car crash in Maine Monday night, is shown competing against Gloucester High on March 13 of last year in the Div. 2 North final. (ITEM FILE PHOTO / JONATHON M. WHITMORE)

Former St. Mary's Hockey Captain Killed in Car Crash

LYNN -- If all had gone according to plan, Patrick Reddy would have been on a bus with his Bridgton Academy hockey teammates Monday night, heading back to their Maine campus after a game at Governor’s Academy in Byfield. But a leaky roof on the rink at Governor’s forced a postponement of the game and an unscheduled night off for the Wolverines — a night that would end in tragedy.

Reddy, 18, was killed when the car in which he and three teammates were traveling in on Route 114 in Sebago, Maine, went off the road and crashed into some trees at about 10:25 p.m., according to Maine State Police.

The car, which was carrying four people, went off of Route 114 and sideswiped two large trees. Although the roads were slick Route 114 had been treated and excessive speed is a likely factor in the crash, Trooper Dan Hanson said.

Reddy was the son of Michael and Susan Reddy and the brother of Shannon Reddy, a sophomore at St. Mary’s

Also killed in the accident was Brian Doucette of Berwick, Maine. The driver, Owen Gill of Lakeville, Mass., was taken to Maine Medical Center in Portland and was in critical condition as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Bridgton Director of Marketing and Communications Lisa M. Antell. Another passenger, Matt Scioli of North Reading, Mass., was also taken to Maine Medical Center and was treated and released.

St. Mary’s administrators, teachers and coaches said Reddy was one of the most popular members of the Class of 2006, and by late morning Tuesday many of his classmates and teammates had returned to the school to share their memories of him and grieve with current students.

Principal Carl A. DiMaiti knew Reddy for the six years (junior and senior high school) he was a student at St. Mary’s.

“It was such a pleasure for me to watch him grow and mature,” DiMaiti said. “It was very gratifying to see him assume a leadership position as a hockey captain and as a member of the Class of 2006.

“Patrick had a perpetual smile on his face,” DiMaiti added. “He loved St. Mary’s and he loved St. Mary’s hockey.”

The hockey program was especially devastated by the death of Reddy, who played on the varsity team all six years he was at St. Mary’s. Coach Mark Lee had an emotional meeting Tuesday morning with team members, including the five players who graduated with Reddy last spring and one from the Class of 2005.

“This is a crushing blow to the hockey program,” Lee said. “Patrick is one of the few players who have played all six years in the (21 years) I have been coach. He was a big success story at the school. He matured incredibly and became a very vocal leader, a kid that others looked up to.”

Lee and DiMaiti both recalled a phenomenal play Reddy made in overtime in the Div. 2 North final last year when, with the Spartans caught in a line change, he came off the bench and dove to knock the puck away from a Gloucester player who would have had a clean breakaway. St. Mary’s would eventually lose the game, and Gloucester went on to win the Div. 2 state title.

Reddy was a starting defenseman at Bridgton, a school of 180 post-graduate students known for its athletic success. Dean of Students John J. Daley Jr. said Reddy was having a very good season and doing well academically. He planned on playing college hockey next year.

“We’re reeling,” Daley, a 1976 St. Mary’s graduate who played hockey for St. Mary’s Head of School Raymond Bastarache, said of the close-knit Bridgton campus. “I spent Saturday watching a game with Patrick’s father. I wouldn’t know what to say to him now.”

Daley said the players were on the way back from visiting friends at Southern Maine University in Gorham and may have been hurrying to meet a team curfew. He added that the stretch of road where the accident occurred — which he described as being on the backside of Sebago Lake — can be very difficult to navigate, especially if you are unfamiliar with it.

Michele Durgin, dean of discipline and junior high administrator, called Reddy “the comeback kid” for the marked improvement he made academically his senior year.

“Patrick was a terrific kid who touched every person he came in contact with at St. Mary’s,” she said. “He was what St. Mary’s is all about. I am so honored to have been part of his life.”

St. Mary’s teacher/coach Jeff Newhall had Reddy in class for five years. He spoke of Reddy’s unique personality.

“Patrick had the uncanny ability to annoy every teacher and student in the school and make every one of us laugh all in the same day,” Newhall said. “It’s usually one or the other. He was definitely one of the most colorful kids we’ve ever had.”

Newhall said he would always remember Reddy for another reason:

“He was in my homeroom in seventh grade and he was the person I heard about Sept. 11 from.”

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More Minorities Held Back to Repeat Freshman Year of High School
By Jill Ricker, The Daily Item of Lynn, Saturday, April 9, 2005

LYNN -- The number of the city's black and Hispanic freshman who repeated the ninth grade coincides with state retention rates, according to a state study released this week.
 The study showed the number of black and Hispanic freshmen in Massachusetts repeating the ninth-grade is more than three times the rate of white students.
Statewide, about 17 percent of black and Latino students were held back during the last school year, while about 5 percent of white students were held back.
In Lynn, 32 percent of black and Hispanic students were held back - 20 percent black and 12 percent Hispanic - while 10 percent of white students were held back. Nearly 9 percent of the city's Asian freshman were held back.
"Ninth grade is the most difficult year of high school," Deputy Superintendent William Frost said. "If we have to retain a student, perhaps it is best done in that first year for two reasons. One, the change is so overwhelming, they do not perform as well. Two, if they haven't achieved the necessary credit levels, knowing full well in May of their sophomore year they will be taking the MCAS, to move that youngster along is counter-productive."
Frost said 156 students, 12 percent of last year's freshman class, were held back.
Statewide, 8 percent, or 6,682 high school freshmen, repeated the ninth-grade last year. That is by far the highest rate of any grade. Overall, 2.6 percent, or nearly 24,000 students in grades 1 through 12, were held back at the end of the 2003-2004 school year.
While state education officials say some students need that extra year to catch up academically, some educators and researchers say keeping students back their freshman year contributes to higher dropout rates.
If you're retained in the ninth-grade, the probability of graduating is very small," said Gary Orfield, a Harvard University education professor. "It's the most dangerous year."
Frost, former principal of Classical High School, said his experience does not indicate that to be true.
"There is some debate about retention and whether or not retaining them at the secondary level is productive," he said. "In my experience at Classical, did I see them dropping out at an alarming rate? No, I did not see that. In fact, we would have youngsters in ninth or tenth grade who might drop out because they were discouraged, but they would be back in September. The state calls them return dropouts and, at Classical, we would see them come back and they would inevitably succeed. The citywide completion rate, MCAS aside, is very good."
Students are held back most often because they either fail subjects or are unprepared for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems exam, which all high school students must pass in the 10th-grade in order to graduate.
Students who repeated a grade did as well or better on the MCAS the second year, state Education Department spokeswoman Heidi Perlman said.
 "That shows clearly that those kids needed some extra time and attention," she said. "We want kids to progress when they are ready."
Schools should endeavor to catch underachieving students before they reach high school, some educators said.
But Frost said he sees no problem with retaining students freshman year.
"They're saying it's best to retain youngsters in the earlier grades," he said. "There's no ideal time to retain any youngster, but I would rather retain a youngster in their freshman year than say their sophomore of junior year. There is nothing wrong with giving a youngster that extra year of academics prior to taking the MCAS in May of their sophomore year. That way, you get to know their strengths and weaknesses to work with them."
Some schools are already taking action to reduce the rate of students being held back. Boston is creating smaller schools, expanding student counseling and starting a program that lets students finish high school at their own pace.
Lawrence, where 19 percent of freshmen were held back last year, is building a new high school that will split one 2,600-student school into six schools with less than 500 students each.
Brockton created two "freshman academies" at the high school.  "We're all fighting for ninth-graders' success," said Brockton High School Principal Susan Szachowicz.
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Police Hope Arrest Leads to Others in Tech Thefts
By Jill Ricker, The Daily Item of Lynn, Wednesday, April 6, 2005

LYNN -- School officials are hopeful that the recent arrest of a Lynn Vocational Technical Institute student will lead police to other suspects who were involved in two separate burglaries at the school.
LVTI was broken into twice in February. The first time approximately $30,000 in equipment from the television/media lab and, the second time, $450 in copper sheeting was stolen from the metal shop.
Police last week arrested Josthin Gonzalez, 17, of 79 Hanover St., following an investigation. He was charged with breaking and entering and larceny over $250. Police allege Gonzalez stole 90 pounds of copper valued at $450 and believe he sold the copper to Solomon Metals on the Lynnway.
"He (allegedly) stole four sheets of copper from one of the shops," LVTI Director Brian Coughlin said. "It was rolled copper, 3-by-8 foot sheets, and they were sold to a local metal dealer. They go for $5 a pound and each sheet weighed 24 pounds. The cost to the school was $120 a sheet and we had four sheets, valued at $480. The metal dealer gave the student $72."
Coughlin said police were able to track down the suspect.
"With the assistance of our (school resource officers), their investigation did lead to the arrest of a Lynn Tech student," he said.
Coughlin said police believe the copper theft is tied to another theft, which also occurred in February.
"(The thieves) gained entrance into the building sometime over that weekend of the 13th and 14th," he said. "There is an estimated value of $30,000 of technology taken from this building. (Police) continue to see if there is a link between the two things."Coughlin said the technology was taken from the television/media lab and the theft has negatively impacted the program.
"The lab hasn't been closed but certainly the materials affect the quality of instruction we provide," he said. "These are things the kids use everyday. This was new, working, reliable equipment. From my experience, these things are 'shopped,' so to speak - they already have someone who wants to buy it. I'm not unconvinced some of this stuff was sold very quickly."
Superintendent of Schools Nicholas Kostan said security measures were in place during both incidents.
"We're not sure how they gained access," he said. "The cameras were working. It may have been kids from school. They seemed to know their way around and went right to the media room."
The cameras are working and the place is locked up," he continued, adding that the cameras picked up the thefts, but the identities of the thieves could not be discerned. "We have upgraded the camera systems in all the high schools. We put quite a bit of money into upgrading the system. They are working and they are a deterrent."
 The burglaries at Tech came just months after Classical High School was broken into and vandalized in November.
t the time, police said vandals sprayed a fire extinguisher on the third floor of the building, smashed windows in the athletic office and cafeteria, and in Dean of Students Dick Sackowich's office.
ackowich's furniture was overturned, light switches were damaged and the room was ransacked.
An ice cream vending machine was also smashed open and soda cans were used to break the windows. A jar of Maraschino cherries was smashed on the stairs, police said.
Classical Principal Warren White said surveillance cameras were not fully operating during the incident and the vandals have yet to be caught.
"(Sporadically functioning cameras) was a definite issue and one that is still in the process of being corrected," he said.
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Boston Magazine Ranks Lynn as One of Best Places to Live                       By David Liscio,   The Daily Item of Lynn,  Wednesday, April 6, 2005

Lynn is...

New book captures the voice, adversity, and dreams of youth

By Lisa Capone, Boston Globe Correspondent  |  March 24, 2005

THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD RICHARD PELKIE probably speaks for a lot of his peers -- as well as many adults -- when he says, ''You wouldn't think that a 7-year-old has insight on anything, really."

But after helping write a new book about the thoughts and concerns of Lynn children and teens, he knows that assumption couldn't be more wrong.

''When you read this book, you learn about how much they soak in, and how important it is to listen to them," Pelkie said in a recent interview at the Lynn Youth Neighborhood Coalition.

Pelkie was among 70 Lynn residents, ranging in age from 6 to 19, who bared their souls in ''Conversations With the Future," a book by Coalition director Carrie Stack.

Stack said she came up with the idea as a way to highlight and build upon the strengths of Lynn's young people.

After recruiting participants through fliers and contacts with youth organizations throughout the city, she conducted interviews during 2003 and 2004, then spent scores of hours transcribing the verbatim conversations that compose the 295-page book.

The final product provides a snapshot of not only what makes young people tick -- but what makes them smile, cry, and dream. In the book's preface, she wrote that adults should ''stop assuming that young people are only thinking of themselves, as some of the most selfless reflections on the world are found within the pages of this book."

Several of the students interviewed mentioned gangs, drugs, and other urban ills facing Lynn, and offered ways to solve those problems -- from building a skateboard park and providing jobs for teens, to dress codes and curfews. Jamie Marsh, chief of staff to Lynn Mayor Edward ''Chip" Clancy, who has a copy of the book, said there's ''nothing like getting a fresh perspective on the problems we face as a society from a child's point of view."

''Sometimes solutions are staring you right in the face yet [we] get bogged down in the minutiae of government bureaucracy," Marsh said. ''We should all take a page from some of these unbiased interviews and ideas. As an adult, it is frustrating when simple remedies get bogged down in committee meetings. The best part of the book was the optimism these children hold for our future. As they are our future leaders, it should be our hope that they hold onto that optimism as they grow into adults.

Since its publication last November, Stack's book has been opening the eyes of adults and kids in Lynn, and gaining attention outside the city, too. Earlier this month, WFXT-TV (Channel 25) began airing four segments on the book in its ''Generation Gap" program. The last segment, which focuses on high school students, airs Monday.  

Four of the book's young interviewees recently addressed the board of directors of Girls Inc. of Lynn, which houses the Lynn Youth Neighborhood Coalition and is its financial agent. Girls Inc. executive director Pat Driscoll also took the book to a national Girls Inc. meeting in Florida this winter, where other senior executives of the organization expressed interest in replicating the project in their own regions.

Locally, Gordon College's Lynn Initiative project is using ''Conversations With the Future" to help its more than 200 student volunteers and interns gain a better understanding for the 19 Lynn nonprofits, schools, and government agencies where they volunteer, Lynn Initiative director Valerie Buchanan said.

Stack said that the most striking aspect of the interviews was the kids' consistent message, regardless of age.

''They were all talking about similar issues, similar threads," Stack said. ''They speak with such clarity about issues that so many adults assume they know nothing about."

Stack used the same framework -- although somewhat different questions -- for each interview, beginning with questions about self and family and moving to issues relating to Lynn, the state, the nation, and the world. A common thread voiced throughout was concern over unfairness and violence -- from schoolyard bullying to war -- and a desire to treat people fairly and meet everyone's basic needs. ''The violence and drugs and stuff is everywhere. It's just that Lynn is small, so it seems worse," said Asaad Dowe, 17, who was 15 when he was interviewed for the book.

He pointed out that despite Lynn's troubles, the youngsters and teens Stack interviewed were largely optimistic.''People should go buy the book. All of this bad stuff is around them, but [kids] . . . still have high hopes for the future," Dowe said.

Dowe and others also stressed the importance of family, especially communication between parents and children.

''I think it's important for parents . . . to know that, even if they're scared, they [adults] have to be the ones to come forth first," said Christina Gallo, now 15. ''You have to start from day one."Erika Tavarez, 14, said she relies on strong parents to help her make good decisions. She, Pelkie, and four others went to the WFXT-TV studio during February school vacation to tape the ''Generation Gap" program.'

'I mostly talked about my family. I told [anchor Kim Carrigan] that I think family is very important for kids. I think that's what keeps the kids up, encourages them," said Tavarez, adding that not everyone has a caring family like hers. ''I know a lot of people that don't."

Some young people said they contributed to the book because they were excited about being considered published authors. Students read excerpts and signed copies at a December book release event. Others just wanted to have their voices heard.''I thought it would be cool," said Pelkie. ''You know, you don't really get asked everyday what you think."''Conversations With the Future" can be purchased at Amazon.com , Barnesandnoble.com, and Iuniverse.com. 

...lacking safe, legal options March 24, 2005 Victoria Tavarez, age 16 when interviewed Q: What do you think of Lynn? A: I think a lot of people in Lynn are doing stuff that they aren't supposed to be doing. There aren't any places to go. People are smoking, drinking, and doing stuff they shouldn't be doing. There is nothing here in Lynn, and to get anywhere you have to go far away. . . . Q: What can we do about this issue? A: Build something in Lynn that will attract teenagers to go to. They will leave the things they are doing, like gangs and stuff. Q: What would we build? A: A movie theater, a mini-mall, or a paintball field. They just keep repeating the same restaurants. Q: Why do you think that kids do things like drugs, join gangs, or other dangerous things? A: Maybe because parents are working too much, or they're trying to be cool or something. They want to try to fit in or maybe they think the gang members are like family. Q: What do you think it means to be cool? A: I think it means that you make a difference. Q: How? A: Like you stand out more than the other people. You're not afraid to be who you are. -----------------------------------

...the same as anyplace else

March 24, 2005

Asaad Dowe, age 15 when interviewed:

Q: If you were in charge of Lynn, what would you do to make things better?

A: Take the MCAS away. All these kids work their whole life, then they change things around and they can't graduate. They're not learning about life, or what to do in the real world, they're just learning about the test.

Q: Are you worried about it?

A: Not really. I think I can do it.

Q: What do people who don't live in Lynn think about Lynn?

A: They probably think it's the ghetto and all these bad things happen.

Q: What would you tell them about Lynn?

A: Same things happen here as everywhere else, but we're up front with it and don't try to hide it.

Q: If you were the president, what would you do?

A: I don't really know. I think I'd try to make everyone feel better. Maybe I'd go on the news in the morning and tell everyone to just have a good morning and a good day. Maybe I could start everyone's day off better.

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...like a juice box without a straw

March 24, 2005

Stephen Basden, age 8 when interviewed

Q: What is life like if you are 8 years old and live in Lynn?

A: It's like a juice box without no straw. Sometimes things don't work out the way they are supposed to.

Q: And what does the straw mean?

A: It's kind of like your feelings, and it lets you feel the stuff you feel.

Q: How could Lynn be better?

A: If there were no more bad guys and movies could all be made for kids and grown--ups. Sports could be for anyone, doesn't matter if they are good, because some coaches tell people that they don't want them on their team because they can't do something. But all you've got to do is teach them and they will start to learn.

Q: What would your wish be for the world?

A: That no one was poor and no one got hurt, so they could live like everybody else lives.

 

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State Nixes Longer School Days in Lynn
By Jill Ricker, The Daily Item of Lynn, Tuesday, March 15, 2005

City Council Finally Votes to Rebuild Manning Bowl                                    

Reprinted from The Lynn Journal, 3/16/05

At 10 p.m., last Tuesday in a packed city council chamber, following more than two hours of a public hearing and some debate about the $4 million bond issue before them, Councillor Richard Collucci put an end to Councillor-at-Large Judith Kennedy’s control of the floor and called for a vote.
“This is paralysis by analysis,” Collucci told the crowd.
The tally was 9-2, with Kennedy and Councillor Charlie O’Brien opposing the mayor’s bond request.
With that vote, the city council put into motion a series of events that will lead to razing the old Manning Bowl and replacing it with a new, $6.5 million stadium.
It was a public hearing that will likely go down in history.
As a tremendous snowstorm with high winds and freezing temperatures roared outside, the public hearing heated up.
Rarely has the city council chamber witnessed so many people from so many walks of life all agreeing that the mayor’s request for the bond must be approved for the good of the city.
The 9-2 vote gives the city the right to float a $4 million bond to get the new Manning Bowl project off the ground.
“I am extremely pleased and very excited,” Mayor ‘Chip’ Clancy told the Journal after the vote. Clancy delivered a stirring speech which kicked off a hearing that brought more than 30 speakers to the microphone in support of the project.
“The city of Lynn deserves a state of the art 21st century facility,” the mayor added.
Speakers included former State Senator Walter Boverini, former Lynn mayors Al DiVirgilio Sr., Patrick McManus and State Senator Tom McGee, representatives Robert Fennell and Steve Walsh, School Superintendent Nick Kostan, Police Chief John Suslak, Police Superintendent Kevin Coppinger – chairman of the Manning Bowl Commission, Warren White, Classical High School principal, School Committeeman Jeff Newhall and Cory Bogart, captain of the Lynn English High School track team who said it was embarrassing and dangerous to compete at Manning Bowl.
There were many other speakers representing a broad spectrum of the community.
Kennedy’s challenge of the bond request and her repeated assertions that it may be illegal forced City Council President James Cowdell to hand the gavel to Councillor-at-Large Tim Phelan.
“I didn’t think I’d have to speak on this matter. I didn’t want to speak on this matter,” Cowdell told his colleagues after he stepped down from the podium and traded seats with Phelan.
“Everyone here, every single person who has spoken is in favor of the council passing this bond issue. Not one voice have we heard against it. What else is there to say?” Cowdell asked.
Cowdell, Phelan, councilors-at-large Loretta Cuffe-O’Donnell and Al DiVirgilio, and councillors Trahant, David Ellis, Wayne Lozzi, Collucci and Rick Ford, all approved the measure.

Students May Get Snowed with Longer Days
By Jill Ricker, The Daily Item of Lynn,  Friday, March 11, 2005

Lynn Mulls Loan for Classical High Repair
By Jill Ricker, The Daily Item of Lynn, Saturday, February 26, 2005

Hearing for Bowl Bond Approved
By David Liscio, The Daily Item of Lynn,   Thursday, February 10, 2005

Entire US Circuit Court of Appeals to Hear Lynn Desegregation Appeal
Reprinted from the Daily Item of Lynn, AP      Monday, February 7, 2005

Manning Bowl Plans Still Being Discussed

Leading plan ID'd for Bowl  By James Haynes, The Daily Item of Lynn,  Thursday, February 3, 2005

Lynn Library Extends Hours
By David Liscio,  The Daily Item of Lynn, Thursday, January 20, 2005

Lynn Library Loses Certification
By Jill Ricker, The Daily Item of Lynn, Saturday, January 15, 2005

Classical Makes the Grade: High School a Safe Building
By Jill Ricker, The Daily Item of Lynn , Friday, January 14, 2005

Lynn Sues 9 Contractors for Poor Construction at Classical HS
By Jill Ricker,    The Daily Item of Lynn,  Friday, December 24, 2004

LYNN -- A civil complaint the city filed in Salem Superior Court last week is seeking damages from nine companies involved with the construction of Classical High School. The city is seeking payment for damages to Classical's foundation and structure.
Among the damages are two crumbling walls, two-inch gaps where one part of the building has pulled away from another, buckled ceiling tiles, cracked and lifted floor tiles, shattered trophy case glass, misaligned doors, and jagged floor-to-ceiling cracks in the walls. All the damages have been attributed to settlement of the $40 million, 5-year-old building's slab-on-grade configuration built on a solid waste landfill.
The nine companies named in the complaint are Albanese Brothers, Eastern Contractors, Symmes Maini McKee Association, Gulf of Maine Research Center, Densification Inc., GZA Environmental, Anthony Construction, UTS of Massachusetts and Wes Construction Corp.
The city contracted the defendants to perform a variety of work on the new Classical, including environmental assessments, architectural services, site preparation, remedial services, contracting and construction work.
The complaint alleges there was a breach of contract with Albanese Brothers, Eastern Contractors, SMMA and Gulf of Maine Research Center, alleging that the companies failed to complete their work in accordance with the specifications. The four companies "failed and refused to remedy the breach of contract," causing the city "to expend money to remedy some of the defects and omissions in the contract at its own expense," the complaint reads.
The city has also accused the four companies of negligence, alleging that they "did not perform (their) services in a good and workman-like manner, but carelessly and negligently performed the services required of (them) under the contract."
The city is requesting a trial by jury and is seeking all payment of all costs, with interest. The repairs to the school are expected to cost several million dollars.
 Maria Albanese, an employee of Albanese Brothers, said her company just did was it was told. "We were the low bidder and we proceeded to do the work according to the plans and specifications," she said. "There was a minimum of three inspectors there every day to guide us and tell us what to do and how they wanted it done. They watched us like a microscope and we prefer it that way. That's standard procedure." Albanese said the company does not agree with the allegations. "Not at all," she said. "We did everything according to specifications and plans that they provided us with. The inspectors were there to confirm it. We've been in business 27 years so we have plenty of experience. We take pride in doing things right."
SMMA Executive Vice President Tim Grobleski said his company is doing all it can to resolve the problem. "The city had a report done by a consultant this summer and we've reviewed it and have been working with the city and we continue to do that," he said. "We're trying to figure out with the owner's consultants what the status of the settlement is. We want to help the city get through the process and get the problem resolved."
The remaining companies named in the lawsuit could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Classical Grads Ridley, Lee Perform Well for Quinnipiac Women's Basketball
By Richard Tenorio, The Daily Item of Lynn,    Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Lynn plans to sue builders of Classical High School
By Jill Ricker , The Daily Item of Lynn,     Monday, December 20, 2004

Federal Appeals Court to Hear Lynn Desegregation Plan
By Associated Press,                Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Lynn Superintendent says he won't stop School Desegregation Plan
By Jill Ricker        The Daily Item of Lynn,   Tuesday, November 23, 2004

New Lynn Stadium to Include Artificial Turf
By Jill Ricker          The Daily Item of Lynn,               Monday, November 22, 2004

Frustration and Anger     by Webmaster Brass    11/12/04

    As teachers and students arrived at school Monday morning, rumors started flying because a police investigation was being conducted.  There was glass on the floor in many areas around the school. Two classrooms in the C wing were blocked off for fingerprint testing. All the monitors were destroyed in a computer classroom. Many valuable items in the TV studio (local Channel 15) were missing. In all, six rooms had been ransacked, had computers destroyed, and many items had been stolen.

           What do the students have to say about this?  A sampling of opinions - - -

" Stupid, stupid, stupidity !"                                                                                                                                             

 " No sign of respect for other people."                                                                                                                 

 "Obviously, these people don't know right from wrong, acting like 2nd graders"                                                  

"This makes our school look bad, now people may think we're all hoodlums."                                                      

  "We're a high academic school. This hurts our reputation." 

         How do teachers feel ? Here are some of their comments - - -

" I am trying not to take this personally. It was an irrational act. Who would be so angry ?"                                     

 " It does change the temperature of the building. It seems colder.  It effects everyone, this violation."                     

" I hope we find these people, and prosecute  them. Our school doesn't  deserve to be treated this way."

Who did this ? Why ? 

Lynn Police Search for Classical High Vandals
By Jill Ricker    The Daily Item of Lynn          Thursday, November 11, 2004

( Scroll down for other recent articles )

Lynn Classical High Wall Repaired
By Jill Ricker,    The Daily Item of Lynn,        Friday, November 5, 2004

Reilly Seeks Additional Review of Lynn Desegregation Ruling
By Associated Press
Thursday,  November 4,  2004             

- Attorney General Thomas Reilly on Wednesday asked for federal review of a recent court decision striking down Lynn's voluntary school desegregation plan, saying the issue needed additional scrutiny because the case is of "exceptional importance."
Reilly appealed an Oct. 20 ruling by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which found that Lynn's desegregation plan, and those of 21 other Massachusetts school districts that voluntarily took race into account when assigning students to schools, were illegal.
The ruling, by a three-justice panel of the appeals court, overturned an earlier U.S. District court decision upholding Lynn's desegregation plan. It ruled that use of race should be a "last resort" for schools, and the Lynn School Committee had failed to show that a racially based formula was necessary to achieve its goal of racial integration.
 Reilly's appeal filed on Wednesday asked for an "en banc" rehearing of the case. In such hearings, all six active 1st Circuit judges examine cases of particular interest or constitutional complexity.
In his appeal, Reilly cited the impact of the ruling on schools throughout the court's jurisdiction, U.S. Supreme Court rulings giving state and local governments authority to redress racial segregation, and a ruling in the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals that, Reilly said, conflicted with the 1st Circuit ruling.
"Rehearing en banc is warranted to resolve these conflicts and security uniformity in the application of the Equal Protection Clause," he wrote.
 Chester Darling, an attorney who represented the Lynn families that sued over the desegregation plan, said he would be "astonished" if the appeals court decision were overturned.
 He said tha