Letter to the Editor, The Haverhill Gazette

These are extremely challenging times for our country, our state and for the City of Haverhill. Every day we read the newspapers, there are more stories of layoffs, cuts in state aid and federal stimulus money that may or may not arrive. Here in Haverhill, the flagship school of our education system is nearing completion of its $29 million renovation. However, Mayor Fiorentini has ordered a halt to the completion of the project while awaiting word on whether or not federal stimulus money can be used for the City of Haverhill’s share ($1.8M). While it was prudent to explore this option, the reality is that Haverhill needs to finish the renovations whether or not we can use the federal funds.

Our state legislators, led by State Representative Brian Dempsey, were able to secure $3.6M towards these necessary improvements. With the state’s current financial woes, this offer to pay 67% of the bill will not happen again any time soon. Early indications from Massachusetts “stimulus czar” Jeffrey Simon, are that using the federal funds will not be a reality. Despite Haverhill’s own financial troubles, the education of Haverhill’s students is too important to leave the renovation incomplete. Included in the remaining $5.4M of work to be done is completion of the interior electrical wiring, construction of an emergency perimeter road, resurfacing of roads and parking areas, and a reworking of the existing traffic pattern.

Haverhill High School has taken several steps to improve its image and its reputation. The Classical Academy is helping the high school retain Haverhill’s best and brightest students, who might otherwise attend area private schools or opt for school choice outside the district. The International Baccalaureate program is another great example of fairly unique offerings that help separate HHS from other area high schools. The relationship between Haverhill High and Northern Essex Community College allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school is a wonderful opportunity for our students.

Haverhill needs to invest the $1.8 million to realize a $5.4 million completion to this project. As the school year winds down we need to seize the opportunity and restart work on the renovations immediately. Completion while school is out of session will insure that learning is not interrupted and students are not displaced by the construction process. This will also help to insulate against construction cost overruns due to scheduling conflicts and delays while contractors try to get their work completed around the students.

Let’s give our high school students the best chance at success and deliver a fully completed facility for the 2009-2010 school year.

Sven Amirian