a first-of-its-kind model in Massachusetts<\/a>. Leaders say this partnership could dramatically expand access and opportunity, opening doors for high school and college students alike.<\/p>\n\u201cThe potential of this project represents a new vision for career readiness for the state of Massachusetts,\u201d said Lane A. Glenn, President of Northern Essex Community College. \u201cOne which involves community leaders collaborating to share resources while creating new opportunities for students and employers to build the workforce of the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The agreement marks the start of the MSBA\u2019s Eligibility Period, which is designed to evaluate and confirm a district\u2019s readiness to enter the state-supported construction pipeline. If successful, Whittier Tech could receive substantial financial support from the Commonwealth\u2014a key to making a new building project economically viable for its 11 member communities: Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Newbury Select Board unanimously supported signature confirmation of our willingness to take the three specified actions required by the MSBA Eligibility Period Letter,\u201d said Newbury Select Board Chair William DiMaio. \u201cWe recognize the tremendous opportunity this will present to students and the potential for cost savings for the member communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The act of coming together to pursue this vision reflects a powerful shift. In recent years, communities have grappled with tough questions about cost, capacity, and the future of vocational education. Today, however, the district stands aligned in purpose.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur communities have undergone a lot of debate these last few years, and so it\u2019s encouraging that the 11 different cities and towns are on the same page and willing to move forward for our Whittier students,\u201d said Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Grove. \u201cI\u2019m especially excited about the potential partnership with Northern Essex Community College and the opportunities that will create for our students.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur kids deserve a school where they can receive the best vocational education available, and we know there is a demand to expand access to this education and grow the local workforce,\u201d said Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett. \u201cHaverhill is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort alongside the 10 other communities in the district, Whittier, and NECC to explore a shared campus model, which would be a first in our Commonwealth. This will be a long process, and Haverhill is committed to seeing it through in the name of doing right by our kids and benefiting our local and state economy.\u201d<\/p>\n