Saugus subcommittee to review parks report

SAUGUS – The Saugus School Committee voted unanimously Thursday to refer a report by the Saugus Police Department about the state of the town?s parks to the Building Maintenance Subcommittee.Saugus Police Sgt. Paul Vansteensburg presented the report at Tuesday?s selectmen meeting, which he compiled over a one-month period and contains recommendations on how to reverse Saugus? deteriorating parks.?They did a wonderful job on this report and not only evaluated the schools? role but highlighted everybody?s role in this,” said School Committee Chairman Wendy Reed. “I like the approach. It?s a collaborative one, what?s our role, police department?s role, selectmen?s role?”Superintendent Richard Langlois said he?s been working with several town departments to look at the problem and thanked Department of Public Works Director James Waugh for his hard work.?It?s been excellent,” said Langlois. “Mr. Waugh has been great as far as the facilities themselves, and giving us constant updates and warnings. It?s been a good collaborative effort.”The Building Maintenance Subcommittee will discuss the report at its next meeting.The committee also discussed a letter received from the Saugus Anti-Drug Coalition about the recent overdose deaths. School Committee Vice Chairman Corinne Riley said she will respond to the letter to let the group know they have received it.?I will contact her and tell her we?re interested and see what their next step is,” said Riley.In other business, Langlois updated the School Committee on the $500,000 gift bequeathed to the high school from Edward O?Neill, a Saugus High School alum.Langlois made the announcement about the gift last year, and on Thursday said Finance Director Pola Andrews finally has the “check in hand.”?According to the bequest and the will from the estate, it was to supplement what we do and not supplant the town,” said Langlois.Langlois said 25 percent of the money will go toward a scholarship while the rest will be targeted for education materials.Langlois also commended Humanities Director Richard Lavoie for his use of Twitter during a recent field trip to the Freedom Trail.?We had a great experiment with Mr. Lavoie,” said Langlois. “He tweeted (students) with information and they tweeted back asking questions. It was a great experience and we?re looking to do more things in the future.”Lastly, Langlois said the newly formed Wellness Advisory Committee will meet Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. after gaining close to 20 members.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].