SWAMPSCOTT — Town and school district officials are in discussions about potentially utilizing the space at Clarke Elementary School for services and programs that would be of benefit to the community.
In September, the town unveiled its new $100 million consolidated elementary school, which essentially replaced Clarke and the other schools throughout town.
School Committee Chair Glenn Paster has taken part in meetings with Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald, Select Board Chair MaryEllen Fletcher, and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Cheryl Herrick-Stella about what opportunities the space could be utilized for.
According to Paster, the space could be the new location for the local thrift store known as Big Blue Bargains. It has had a presence in Swampscott since 2012, and has donated to local groups such as Friends of Swampscott Senior Center and Friends of Swampscott Library. Founder Kristen Dishman and her employees were forced to vacate its Humphrey Street location in April. Paster revealed that the preliminary discussions involved Big Blue Bargains’ headquarters residing in the school’s portable extension that connects to the main building.
Other possible uses for the Middlesex Avenue structure are yet to be fully determined. However, Paster asserted that it is ultimately Superintendent of Schools Pamela Angelakis and the town’s decision.
“It could be anything from the rec department to some additional services for the senior center,” Paster said. “I’m excited for the community to have some use out of there because the building is fine. It’s in reasonable decent shape.”
