Handicap ramp at Saugus High finished

SAUGUS – A new ramp for the disabled behind Saugus High School will provide better access for students with disabilities, and keep the school in good standing with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.Town Manager Scott Crabtree said the town?s building department finished work on the 30-foot wooden ramp on Monday at a cost of just over $5,000.?They just finished it and they did a great job,” said Crabtree. “This is one of the things to try and bring us in compliance for handicap and emergency access. They did really great work and this is just one of the great things the town employees are doing.”Crabtree said the town saved money by using town employees and not hiring a contractor to build it.The School Committee had previously submitted three Town Meeting articles to seek money for the high school ramp and another at the Ballard Early Childhood Center. The Finance Committee voted to refer these articles back to the School Committee in May and they never made it on the Town Meeting warrant.Crabtree said a bid is being prepared for the Ballard project.School Committee Vice Chairman Corinne Riley said the new ramp should also help the school keep its accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which placed Saugus High on warning in April because of ongoing problems with the building.?It?s a great thing that that?s one of the things that were completed,” said Riley. “We?ll still be looking to do more to not lose accreditation ? We have until October to meet it or at least give them a plan, so I?m very happy with that.”