Peabody forms school planning board

PEABODY – Three months after Mayor Michael Bonfanti’s recommendation, the new school Planning Committee has been formed.Eleven locals make up the smorgasbord of members, ranging from school leaders, administrative staff, and Peabody residents.”I’m happy with the selection,” said School Committee member Mike Moutsoulas, who was appointed as the Planning Committee’s chairman.The intent of the group, as suggested by Bonfanti, is to prepare a plan for the worst-case scenario of having to close a school and redistrict the system. Although Peabody has not yet been placed in that situation like other neighboring communities, the downward spiraling economy has caused Bonfanti to be cautious.”I don’t want to frighten people,” he told School Committee members during their July 22 meeting. He said the plan would be just that, a plan. If the need to close a school didn’t arise, then the plan would be disregarded.”If we have to make tough decisions, I want to be prepared,” he said.From day one, Moutsoulas has worked to form a group of individuals with varying opinions and concerns regarding the future of Peabody schools.Representing the voice of the School Committee are himself and Ed Charest and administrative staff members including West School Principal Susan Cassidy, Transportation Director Eileen Bresnahan, Business Manager Mike Musto and Kindergarten Coordinator Deborah Murphy.Dave Cvinar, Tim Eager, Ben Russell, Jarrod Hochman and Mary Twiss make up the residents sitting on the board. Among the five, they have seven children attending Peabody Schools and three who have successfully graduated. They make up a group of volunteers, former principals and teachers, coaches and PTO members.”(The group) offers varying perspectives,” said Moutsoulas, who did not want to reach a decision “made in a vacuum.””It’s an all-star group, in my opinion,” he said. “I think we’ll get a lot done.”