Northeastern to fund art, music programs for Nahant school

NAHANT – The Johnson School will have art and music once again with the help of Northeastern University.In a Board of Selectmen meeting Thursday, School Committee Chairman Lissa Keane announced that Northeastern University would be donating $25,000 every year to the Johnson School for art, music and after school programs, which Nahant students have gone without for two years due to budget cuts.?They have told me that the check is in the mail,” said Keane, smiling.Keane added that Northeastern will also be providing technology support in assisting the Johnson School faculty and staff in laying out the school?s new computer lab, with new machines they purchased with town funds. Finally, Northeastern invited Nahant faculty to join in on teacher workshops. “We are looking forward to this reinvigorated relationship,” said Keane.Board of Selectmen Chairman Rich Lombard praised Northeastern University and their Vice President of City and Community Affairs John Tobin for the increased aid to the town of Nahant, but added he would keep pushing for more. “Their communication and what they have given to the town is night and day,” said Lombard. “We have a ways to go, but this has been fantastic.”Later in the meeting, the board congratulated Northeastern junior Olivia Barba on receiving the $20,000 scholarship for the next three years that she will attend the school.Town Administrator Andy Bisignani added that Northeastern had also sponsored a Little League team, the Huskies.Bisignani credited Lombard with “getting the fire going” in attempting to change the relationship between Nahant and Northeastern last fall when he pointed out that Northeastern had not been compensating the town enough in lieu of taxes. Bisignani credited Tobin with fostering a new positive relationship.?I owe a lot to Tobin,” said Lombard. “Since he was appointed to VP, I?m very much appreciative of what they?re doing.”Lombard said there may be another announcement later in the year with more aid from Northeastern.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].