Vote today for Saugus to join Cape Ann League

SAUGUS – Saugus High School Principal Joseph Diorio said a final vote by the Northeast Conference today will decide whether the Sachems can switch to the Cape Ann League.?We?re on the verge of acceptance for the next school year,” said Diorio, in an update to the School Committee Thursday night. “Last year we were in talks with the Cape Ann League about joining because of our size. It?s a decision that was a long time coming. The Northeast Conference has outgrown Saugus.”Diorio said the Cape Ann League already voted unanimously this week to accept Saugus for the 2013 season. All that?s left is a vote from Saugus? current conference and finalization from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.According to Diorio, switching leagues will help Saugus be more competitive and increase safety for athletes, who won?t be competing against much larger schools.?The Cape Ann league averages 678 students per school,” said Diorio. “The Northeast Conference is 1,200.”Saugus High has around 700 students, according to Diorio.Diorio also noted travel times will only increase by about 10 miles and 10 minutes, with many of the schools located off of Route 95 and said as of Thursday the football team will still play Peabody for the annual Thanksgiving Day game.?All we?re waiting for is having a vote from the Northeast Conference,” said Diorio. “If they deny us, we?ll have to wait two years ? They understand what we?re trying to do. We?re just trying to make a fair playing field for our kids. We don?t feel it?s beneficial any longer.”In other business, Superintendent Richard Langlois said a master plan for a new high school could cost between $80,000 to $140,000 to complete after meeting with an architect who is looking into drafting a request for proposal.School Committee Chairman Wendy Reed said it would be best to put the request out for quotes and then discuss it when they come in.Langlois also spoke about the huge benefit show held last week for high school drama teacher Nancy Lemoine, who is on medical leave battling cancer.?The impact she had is reflected in the people that came back from all over the country,” said Langlois. “I think we all want to wish her the best of support as she goes through her endeavors.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].