Fate of mega-Voke at mercy of state

PEABODY – The proposed merger of three North Shore schools – Essex Agricultural and Technical High School in Danvers, North Shore Technical High School in Middleton and Peabody Veterans Memorial High School in Peabody – has great support in the Leather City all around. However, some feel that more is needed in order to accomplish the giant feat.?My take on it is pretty similar to what it?s been for the last five years,” said Peabody School Committee member Dave McGeney. “There?s strong support for it, but currently, the funding to turn that support into a reality is lacking.”Mayor Michael Bonfanti agreed.?It?s a good idea, and it?s great for our kids,” he said Tuesday. “But the thing is affordability: can a city afford to do certain things? Everything is dollars and cents today.”The regional merger would be the first of its kind for the North Shore. At a cost of $140 million, it would combine the three schools, all of which are in need of large-scale renovations, and place them on a 180-acre lot located on Maple Street in Danvers, across from the current campus of Essex Aggie.The new school would house 1,400 students, allowing for an increase in enrollment and additional programs. Biotechnology, dental assisting, plumbing, HVAC repair, and hospitality management are just a handful of new areas of study that students could explore.The process has been ongoing since the commissioner of education proposed the idea of a merger back in 1999 as a more affordable option to the much needed expensive renovations. Shortly after, the Legislature approved funding for studies on the project?s potential, which were a success.Parties involved met with Gov. Deval Patrick last month to discuss the merger and its financial status. Bonfanti said the state would fund a substantial portion, but an amount has yet to be determined. He also said the Massachusetts School Building Authority would provide assistance, as well.?It?s in the hands of the legislators,” said McGeney. “They?re trying to figure out who?s going to pay what and how much, and how it would break down to local communities.”Several deadlines have been set and not met in the past that should have caused schools to drop out. All parties, however, have remained on board and hopeful for the best.?We remain cautiously optimistic,” said McGeney. “But time is running out?Peabody can?t stand by watching existing programs (fall) because we haven?t really provided them with the resources they require in hope that the regional vocational (school) happens.”School Committee member Mike Moutsoulas shared similar feelings last month.?I don?t think we?re much farther along,” he said during the last regular school committee meeting. “We may need to think of our own vocational program.”McGeney said the Governor?s Office is aware that time is of the essence, but he also understands the delay because of the volatile state and national economy.Bonfanti believes part of the problem is “having too many hands in the kitchen.” He said that with the state legislature, city governments, different school systems, and chamber of commerces all involved in their own meetings, things get slowed down. He?d rather see everyone join together under one roof and discuss the issue with the help of a mediator.?It would be bad for the kids and bad for the taxpayers if at the end of the day, we each had to go our own ways,” said McGeney. “If we can pool our resources, our kids and taxpayers will be better served.”