Click image above for Whittier Tech School Committee agenda.
The possibility of closing five shops at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School is expected to be a top agenda item when members of Whittier Tech School Committee meet Wednesday night.
Superintendent Maureen Lynch is scheduled to discuss the potential closing of Early Education and Care, Design and Visual Communications, Engineering, Construction Craft Laborer and Masonry programs. She told WHAV resources committed to the currently declining programs are needed to support plumbing and heating and HVAC.
“There’s only so much funding that we have and we have to be good stewards for the taxpayers. I’m trying to take care of my kids and my staff,” Lynch said.
Lynch noted her recommendations are subject to approval by the Whittier Tech School Committee and then a closing plan would be reviewed by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“Any students currently enrolled will be able to finish the programs,” Lynch said, explaining the process will take several years. “This is hard for me. It is not something I want to do.”
Members of the School Committee are also expected to vote on a five-year capital plan. The plan, as recently outlined, includes replacing the old and deteriorated wastewater treatment plant, electrical panels, 50-year-old classroom heaters and other items.
An update on a possible shared campus with Northern Essex Community College is also expected.
The meeting takes place Wednesday, Feb. 12, starting at 6:30 p.m., at Whittier Tech’s School Committee room, 115 Amesbury Line Road, Haverhill.