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Discrimination complaints filed against district
At the June 1 School Committee meeting, Superintendent John Buckey announced that there are two discrimination complaints filed against the district with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. He said he could not discuss details publicly on the advice of counsel. School Committee Chair Sarah Fox said she would schedule a closed-door executive session soon to learn more.
Buckey also discussed enrollment numbers.
“There is a narrative in the community that we have a 10-to-one student-teacher ratio, which is on the DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) website. As I take you through this you’re not going to find an average class size of 10 anywhere, K-12, in our district.” The number of students anticipated for the 2023-2024 school year is 2,562, one fewer than the current academic year. The number of staff has dropped each year since 2020, Buckey said.
Town volunteer opportunities
The town of Marblehead seeks individuals interested in volunteer opportunities on appointed town boards, commissions and committees. Several vacancies are available for community members looking to contribute their skills and expertise. To apply, individuals are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Select Board. The application can be submitted in person at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or via email to wileyk@marblehead.org. Please contact the Select Board’s Office at 781-631-0000 for additional information and inquiries.
The available vacancies include:
— Affordable Housing Trust Fund: one vacancy for one year
— Marblehead Disabilities Commission: one vacancy for a term of three years.
This is an opportunity for residents to shape the town’s initiatives and contribute to its progress. The town encourages Interested individuals to apply.
Volunteer with SPUR
Volunteering with SPUR aims to produce opportunities for individuals of all ages, abilities and schedules to make a difference in their community. Whether one is looking to volunteer as an individual, with their family or as part of a group, SPUR offers various options to suit volunteers’ preferences. To learn more, visit: spurnorthshore.org/volunteer. Two volunteer opportunities are:
—Join Community Roots Gardens, a project by SPUR, in their mission to grow fresh, organic produce for local food pantries and community programs fighting food insecurity. With over 1,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables provided annually, the gardens at St. Andrew’s Church and Temple Sinai play a crucial role in supporting food pantries and organizations dedicated to fighting hunger. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the growing season, welcoming individuals of all skill levels to help with planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and delivery. To get involved, visit bit.ly/3TNI24n,
— SPUR seeks volunteers for the Making and Serving Meals program. This initiative provides hot, nutritious meals to individuals facing food insecurity at local shelters. By preparing 10 servings of a provided recipe at their own convenience, volunteers make a direct impact on the lives of those in need. The meals are served at shelters in Salem and Lynn. To get involved and learn more about volunteering for Making and Serving Meals, visit bit.ly/3MDUUqD.
World Ocean Day
Due to weather conditions, Sustainable Marblehead rescheduled its World Ocean Day — Marblehead celebration to Sunday, June 11. The event will run from 1 p.m. tp 4 p.m. at State Street Landing. This harborside event will showcase green technologies and details from the 2023 Marblehead Harbor Plan.
This year, Sustainable Marblehead partnered with Marblehead-based CW Hood Yachts to display the Hood 26E. This all-electric, high-speed New England center console exemplifies progress toward sustainable boating. Sustainable Marblehead invites the local community to this free event. More information is available at sustainablemarblehead.org.
Stramski Sailing Program
The Stramski Sailing Program, offered by the Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department, provides participants with the opportunity to learn the basics of sailing. No prior sailing experience is required.
The program curriculum includes both on-land and on-the-water coaching, focusing on water safety and fundamental sailing techniques. Participants will engage in a variety of activities, such as pirate day, sailing races and on-land games.
There are different session options available:
- Morning session: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
- Afternoon session: Monday through Thursday, from 12:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Full-day Session: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (participants can bring their lunch and stay for the whole day).
Prior to participation, all new participants must pass a swim check. The swim check can be taken at the beginning of the first day, or participants can provide documentation of their swimming abilities, including swimming 100 yards, floating for three minutes and treading water for three minutes. Accepted document includes a YMCA swim certificate, Red Cross swim certificate, BSA-GSA Swim Merit Badge or equivalents approved by the Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department.
Go Green Now! program
Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) offers the “Go Green Now!” program, allowing customers to support sustainability by opting for 100% carbon-free energy sources.
By selecting the “Go Green Now!” rate, customers can purchase a monthly incremental amount, reflecting their commitment to environmentally-friendly energy. Opt-out flexibility is always available.
To learn more about the program, rates and enrollment, visit bit.ly/3OCtMe3. For inquiries and enrollment, contact MMLD customer service or visitmarbleheadelectric.com/for more information.
Rotary Club to host two-day yard sale
Marblehead Harbor Rotary is pleased to announce its second annual two-day yard sale, on Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11. The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. each day at 217 Humphrey St. Attendees can browse a wide variety of items, including jewelry, home decorative accessories, framed art, toys, sports equipment, gently-used clothing, tools, books, small furniture pieces and more. Organizers say this yard sale provides an excellent opportunity to support the Marblehead Harbor Rotary while discovering great finds.
Specimen ballot published
View the specimen ballot for the June 20 municipal election at the following link: bit.ly/3MV6A8H.
Voting by mail allowed
No-excuse early voting by mail is available for the June 20 town election. Ballots can be requested using the state Vote by Mail application. A written request including the voter’s name, voting address, mailing address and signature is also acceptable.
Applications for both mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on the fifth business day before the election, which in this case is June 12. More details about absentee ballot eligibility can be found on the state’s website.
The deadline for voter registration is June 9. Town Clerk Robin Michaud emphasizes that all ballots must be returned to her office by the close of polls on Election Day. As there is no drop box, ballots must be hand-delivered or mailed.
For comprehensive voting information, visit the state’s website atbit.ly/3o4Tvkt.
Rotary Club camperships
Marblehead Rotary Club Co-Presidents Nancy Gwin and Blair Lord of the Rotary Club of Marblehead are announcing camp scholarships. The Rotary Club raises funds for camperships through its annual summer lobster raffle, with over $219,716 awarded to more than 380 children in the past 23 years.
Gwin and Lord said the goal is to help children attend their chosen camp, with popular local options including the Marblehead Park and Recreation Department’s playground camp, YMCA’s Children’s Island and Camp Rotary. Camperships may be up to $500 per child, and children living in Marblehead can receive assistance twice.
Call or email Ellen Winkler at 781-631-6404 or ewinkler@emwinklerlaw.com with questions or to request an application for a campership. Each household needs to fill out one form. Applications will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Town employment opportunities
Here is a list of current employment opportunities within the town. Visit marblehead.org to read job descriptions.
— Seasonal laborer
— Transfer station operator
— Mechanic pipefitter II
— SR seasonal harbor assistant
— Seasonal pump-out assistant
— Building attendant (part-time)
— Two volunteer positions
For an employment application, visit: bit.ly/3i9ct6j. Return the completed form to the respective department with the job opening or follow the instructions mentioned in the job description.
Will Dowd
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