High school funds still top priority

SAUGUS – School Committee members are all set to try again after Saugus was rejected by the state for funding to build a new high school.Superintendent Michael Tempesta said he received a letter that Saugus was one out of 201 projects that submitted a statement of interest for the Massachusetts School Building Authority?s program for school building construction, addition/renovation and repair grants. Only seven schools were selected to move forward in the program. Tempesta said he was already on course to meet with members of the MSBA to find out how Saugus can be a better candidate for approval in the next selection cycle, of which the deadline is April 2014.?The budget process is approved to go full steam ahead with a new school and we will pursue that,” said Tempesta.Chairman Wendy Reed said it was “disappointing” but understandable given the size of the candidate pool. She suggested a joint meeting with Tempesta, the School Committee, Board of Selectmen and Town Manager Scott Crabtree before submitting the statement of interest. “I think it would be beneficial,” said Reed.Committee member Arthur Grabowski wanted to make a motion immediately for the committee to support sending another statement of interest. With the application period opening Jan. 10, Grabowski said he didn?t want to “lose time” in submitting. “I am not willing to accept anything less than submitting the statement of interest and see how it goes. This will continue the commitment of the School Committee,” he said. “My interest in a new high school hasn?t changed one bit.”At first Grabowski received opposition by other members of the board, who wanted to have the joint committee meeting first. “I think we?re all on the same page that we want a new high school,” said Reed. “We don?t need a motion to say that.”Committee member Corrine Riley said she thought there needed to be more discussion first.Grabowski explained that giving the go-ahead on the statement didn?t mean “we can?t meet to talk more strategy.”With the committee in full support of moving forward, Reed seconded Grabowski?s motion and the board unanimously approved. Reed and Tempesta said they would coordinate the joint meeting for January.