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~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Councillor questions education plan, communication during COVID-19
Dear Editor,
As an elected official, I am not afraid to speak out about issues that affect our community, and be a voice for the voiceless. Last week, I created a stir of emo tions because I addressed the way School Committee and School Leadership han dled certain issues during COVID-19.
In the last three months, I’ve received multiple phone calls, emails, and text mes sages from students, parents, school employees, and other elected officials con cerned about multiple issues in the school system. Examples include parents spending their own mon ey to make up for what the school should have been do ing all along, no communication plan to the parents, school employees looking for legal counsel, and stu dents who felt left behind.
At the end of many of these conversations, I felt embarrassed. I happily took the time to listen, and I asked each person, what do you want to see done? Every conversation left me puzzled, asking myself, “Are they doing what is best for the students?” and, “What could I do to help solve this problem?”
I have many examples, but here are four ways in which I feel there was a lack of lead ership: - Lack of equity and com munication plan for all parents, including English Language Learners, Special Needs, and Low-Income - Food access for all stu dents - Seniors Celebrating their Milestone - Parent and Employee Confidence in the School System
At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, our
Mayor decided to shut down the schools. Before the shut down, I wondered what the education plan was and how they would commu nicate next steps to all parents. A few days after the shutdown, students and parents reached out to me, asking what was going on, they had not heard from the schools. Students were wondering about their grad uation plans, what would their grades have to be/ how would grades be de termined for them to graduate? I wondered, why they did not figure out a plan be fore they released the students, and communicate it to all parties involved?
Once we heard food would be distributed to students, no one reached out to me about the logistics. I won dered, how are they reaching out to parents? A week in, City Councilors were told the number of people coming to pick up food was much lower than anticipat ed, and asked to help get the word out about the food dis tribution. Again, I wondered, what was the communica tion plan and how were they implementing it?
When the schools decided to distribute Chromebooks, they explained on social me dia that parents could pick them up on certain days based on the first letter of their last name. I knew many parents did not get this in formation, because multiple parents reached out to me to ask how they could get a Chromebook. They asked how to access the learning plan. With 7200+ students, I did not under stand the plan, how many weeks would it take to get every household a comput er to learn? Then the number of cases climbed in Everett. What happened next? They decided to shut down distribution of Chrome books and food to students for three full weeks. Parents were asking, “How will my child learn? Will they be left behind?” I grew up with par ents who had no idea what a computer was and wouldn’t have been able to afford in ternet service. When a Spanish speaking Everett parent reached out to a Chelsea City Councilor about receiv ing the Chromebook but not having internet, not know ing what to do, I was broken-hearted.
Parents reached out about food. I told them, please call 311. I contacted the 311 Di rector early, knowing the number of calls, many from Spanish and Portuguese speakers would be high. I asked what the plan was, and how we could find solu tions together. I was told everything was being handled.
QUESTIONS | SEE PAGE 7
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Frida y, May 29, 2020 School Committee strongly objects to councillor’s COVID-19 criticism
Adrien never attended city Zoom meetings
By Christopher Roberson
School officials stepped up to defend Superin tendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani and the School Department as a whole following statements made by Councillor-at-Large Ger ly Adrien that attacked the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have no idea where this is coming from, nothing could be further from the truth,” said School Commit tee Chairman Thomas Abruzzese, adding that Tahiliani has gone “above and be yond” her standard job requirements since the crisis began. “I have not gotten one single call from a con stituent complaining about
anything.”
Abruzzese also said that the virus is unlike anything that anyone has ever experi enced. “We’re in very unchartered waters here; it’s changing on a daily basis,” he said. “Everybody’s trying to do the best they can.”
School Committee Vice
OBJECTS | SEE PAGE 6
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As Everett’s veterans and elected officials gathered to observe Memorial Day, it was revealed that the list of deceased servicemen and women had grown by 35 percent since last year.
“This pandemic, this virus, has taken so many from us – especially our elderly veterans,” said Veterans Commissioner Jeanne Cristiano during the May 25 ceremony at Glenwood Cemetery. As a precaution against COVID-19, many attendees chose to remain in their vehicles during the ceremony.
Cristiano credited Mayor Carlo DeMaria with organizing this year’s event. “The only reason we’re doing this is because of Mayor DeMaria,” she said. “When the mayor decided to do this, it was like my whole life began again.”
During his remarks, DeMaria called attention to the 215 Everett residents who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. “It remains important that we come together as a community to recognize those women and men who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” he said. “My family and I are grateful to all of the servicemen and women who sacrifice so much for our country, our state and the beautiful city of Everett.”
DeMaria said the country is now in the midst of a new conflict. Yet, it is not one that can be decided on the battlefield, but rather in America’s hospitals and laboratories. “The enemy is right here and illusive; thousands of people are dying every day, killed by an invisible enemy,” he said. “Today, our heroes are on the frontlines of public health.”
Shown from left to right are State Senator Sal DiDomenico, City Council President Rosa DiFlorio and Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie
Martins. (Photo Courtesy of the City of Everett)
Mayor Carlo DeMaria speaks during this year’s Memorial Day service at Glenwood Cemetery.
(Advocate Photo by Christopher Roberson)
Army Major John Cristiano
(Advocate Photo by Christopher Roberson)
School Committee Member-atLarge and U.S. Air Force Veter
an Millie Cardillo (Advocate Photo by Christopher Roberson)
Mayor Carlo DeMaria and his wife Stacy (Advocate Photo by Christopher Roberson)
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A number of attendees chose to remain in their vehicles during this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony.
(Advocate Photo by Christopher Roberson)
OBJECTS| FROM PAGE 5
Chairman Frank Parker said Mayor Carlo DeMaria began hosting weekly Zoom meetings just days after the pandemic began. He said that during those meetings DeMaria has addressed questions submitted by department heads and city officials. “Councillor Adrien decided not to participate in these meetings,” said Parker. “Had she participated, she would have had many of the answers to her questions. You can’t be the voice for the voiceless unless you’re informed.”
School Committee Member-at-Large Samantha Lambert said a series of difficult decisions had to be made in a very short period of time when COVID-19 first sur faced in Massachusetts. “We were responding to a cri sis and priorities had to be quickly established, plans laid out with flexibility for the many unknowns ahead of us, action taken while waiting for state guidance, and our students and their families’ emotional and ed ucational needs cared for,” said Lambert. “I am proud of the efforts, collaboration and communication that the School Department and the city have displayed in an un certain time. No one has all the answers, but we can all be part of the solutions.”
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City mourns loss of Paul Russo
By Christopher Roberson
Paul Russo, known by many as the life of the Connolly Center, passed away on May 25 at the age of 71.
“Everybody knew Paul, everybody loved Paul,” said Dale Palma, director of the Council on Aging. “He was an intricate part of our center; he was very proud to be from Everett.”
Palma said Russo first came to the Connolly Center more than 20 years ago as a guest of his parents, Frederick and Virginia. From there, he became a “prime volunteer,” assisting with trips, the senior summer concerts and the mayor’s barbecues. “He took pride in his work,” said Palma, adding that Russo was also a longtime employee of the MBTA.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria remembered Russo as a “kind and thoughtful” individual. “On behalf of my family and I, our prayers and condolences go out to the family of my friend and Everett legend Paul Russo,” he said. “Pauly was a dedicated member of our community. He always went above and beyond to help the city of Everett and the Connolly Center.”
Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone remembered Russo for his affection for those around him. “Paul was a wonderful person, he was universally liked by everyone,” he said. “He always welcomed you with a warm smile, a kind hello and a friendly hug. My wife and I were very fond of Paul and always looked forward to seeing him at the Connolly Center.Paul will be greatly missed.”
Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro said he knew Russo since he was a child.
“Paul was a very gentle soul, he was always eager to help out in any way he could,” said DiPierro. “I remember when I was a young boy, I would often see Paul around the city, helping out his mother and pushing her around in her wheelchair later in life. That says a lot about a man. “
DiPierro also recalled how Russo always supported him during his political campaigns.
QUESTIONS | FROM PAGE 4
In other cities (I spoke with other elected officials), they did not stop; they kept going because they did not want any child to be left hungry or left behind in learning. Many Everett teachers told me there was no communication plan for them for almost two months. I watched the video that the Superintendent re leased to the teachers about the end of year plan. I don’t feel it instilled the confi dence or clearly outlined the steps needed to ensure that equity would be achieved for all students in all circum stances. Also, they did not seek input.
Last week, another Ever ett newspaper highlighted Super Mom Shenae Jack son, whose questions about the cap/gown and yearbook (she paid for) were not ad dressed. Was there a plan in place for the Seniors be fore COVID-19? There was no communication, so she took matters into her own hands. She spent $2100+ of her own money to help give seniors a sense of pride. I asked my City Council Col leagues to join me in helping to support Mrs. Jackson, instead of yes or no answers, I received backlash in ask ing for support. Now people are trying to say the school committee and school lead ership were planning activities all along. All any of us really know is that the schools shut down in mid-March. In the first week of May, there were still questions as to what the plan was. When we finally received an up date, it still did not address inequities in students’ per sonal situations. One piece of the plan had me con cerned about safety, giving out students’ addresses to strangers.
As we continue into summer and the next school year, we need to ask our selves, are we doing our best for every student and utilizing resources to en sure that we are working hard for everyone? At the end of the pandemic, elect
“He would walk into whichever campaign headquarters I was working out of at the time and if he thought I was stressed out, he’d start to grab my shoulders and pump me up, making me feel like Rocky in the corner of a ring,” said DiPierro. “I’ll always be grateful for the many laughs and friendship I shared with Pauly over the years.”
Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins offered her condolences as well. “Pauly was such a sweetheart,” she said, “always there with a big smile, hugging and helping everyone. He will be missed.” Paul Russo passed away on May 25 at age 71. (Courtesy Photo)
QUESTIONS | SEE PAGE 22
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On May 26, Everett High School teachers and students took part in the Salute to Seniors parade, which traveled throughout the city. The event was part of the Senior Send Off, which was held from
May 26 through May 28. (Photos Courtesy of the City of Everett)
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Frida y, May 29, 2020 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance triggers “unintended consequences”
By Christopher Roberson
As businesses throughout the city prepare to reopen, questions have been raised about how many employees will actually return to work.
Under the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, Massachusetts provides a weekly payment of $1,155. This is the greatest amount of unemployment compensation in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
“This program was rolled out with good intentions, but there have been some unintended consequences. Employees are making more money staying home,” said Margaret Laforest, Greater Boston regional director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), during the Small Business Administration (SBA) and MOBD webinar hosted by the City of Everett on May 21.
Laforest said this dilemma could be compounded as the weekly $600 payments could be extended. “That’s going to be a real struggle as well,” she said.
However, Nancy Gerardi, the SBA’s Northeast regional director, said if an employee refuses to return to work, that decision will be documented by the person’s employer and forwarded to the proper authorities.
I n a d d i t i o n , L a fo re s t said employers must have COVID-19 Control Plans and Compliance Attestation posters visible in their busi nesses, adding that these requirements will be en forced.
Nadine Boone, the SBA’s assistant district director for Business Development, said that since April 3, the SBA has allocated $14.2 billion under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Those funds have since been disbursed to 104,000 businesses in Massachusetts. She also said that 3,500 Economic Injury Disaster Loans were approved between May 11 and May 21. However, those loans are now only available to
DiPierro said the idea came about one day while talking with Council President Rosa DiFlorio as they brain stormed some different ways to thank essential workers around the city. “Many local leaders and businesses have stepped up in tremendous ways by feeding and thank ing frontline workers such as Police, Fire and Healthcare
ASSISTANCE| SEE PAGE 22
Thank You, Postal Workers!
Last week Ward 3 Councilor Anthony DiPierro paid an early morning visit to Chelsea, where the Everett letter carriers meet to sort their mail prior to heading out to their routes. DiPierro showed up with 40 prepared breakfast bags to thank them for their essential work throughout this pandemic.
Professionals across the city. I realized that our letter car riers have still been out each and every day and I wanted to simply say thank you,” DiP ierro said.
The Square Deli of Everett prepared 40 bags, each stocked with a breakfast sandwich, a fresh fruit cup, a chilled coffee and a juice.
Everett resident and Post Office employee Steven O’Connor helped DiPierro coordinate the effort. “On behalf of the Everett letter carriers, I want to thank Councilor DiPierro for stopping by and recognizing us. It truly meant a lot to the men and women I work with and we are all grateful for his generosity and support,” O’Connor said.
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Baker-Polito Admin. to celebrate Mass. High School Class of 2020 with virtual Commencement
In partnership with WGBH,
Governor Charlie Baker will deliver a commence ment address to the Class of 2020 as part of a celebra tion for graduating seniors from 668 public and private schools across the Common wealth, to be aired in a special broadcast at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. Massachu setts Commencement 2020 will feature congratulato ry remarks from Jason and Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots, members of the Red Sox and the Bos ton Celtics as well as a number of celebrities with Massachusetts ties, including singer Rachel Platten and actor Steve Carell. In a spe cial premiere performance, members of the legendary Boston Pops Orchestra, with Keith Lockhart conducting, will provide the tradition al graduation march “Pomp and Circumstance” for the ceremony. Students from around the Commonwealth will give valedictorian-type speeches to their classmates.
WGBH will broadcast Massachusetts Commencement 2020 across the Commonwealth: on WGBH 2 in Greater Boston and on its partner station WGBY/New England Public Media in western Massachusetts. Both stations will stream the program on their website and social media platforms. WGBH also will make the program available to other television stations in Massachusetts, including community access channels.
“Graduation ceremonies are important milestones in a young person’s life that deserve to be celebrated,” said Baker. “While we cannot gather in the traditional way, we want to recognize, celebrate and salute Massachusetts’ Class of 2020 for their accomplishments and their resiliency during these difficult times. We are very thankful to WGBH for working with us to help do that.”
“A l t h o u g h g r a d u a t i o n looks different this year for students throughout Massachusetts, this momentous occasion should still be celebrated however possible, and we are glad to offer a special ceremony for the Class of 2020,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.
“It’s an honor for WGBH to create this special television event with Governor Baker to recognize the Massachusetts Class of 2020,” said WGBH President and CEO Jon Abbott. “While this can’t replace a ceremony with their classmates, it will allow everyone across the Commonwealth to join in a celebration of all our Massachusetts graduates.”
“Commencement is such a meaningful event in a high school student’s life, and we all feel the loss of the traditional way to celebrate this year. This program gives us, as a Commonwealth, the oppor tunity to mark the achievements of the Class of 2020 and celebrate students as they move on to their next phase in life,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Education James Peyser.
“Many of us have been thinking about this year’s graduating seniors and how many important events they will miss,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley. “The Class of 2020 has a unique history, they hold a special place in our hearts, and this event will give us all a chance to congratulate them.”
Nationwide unemployment scam targets Massachusetts claimants
BOSTON – Criminal enterprises in pos session of stolen personal information from earlier national data breaches have been attempting to file large amounts of ille gitimate unemployment claims through the Mas sachusetts Department of Unemployment Assis tance (DUA) system. This is part of a national unem ployment fraud scheme.
DUA has begun implementing additional identity verification measures that will temporarily delay the payment timeframe for many unemployment claims in Massachusetts. As a result of these mea sures, certain unemployment claimants might be asked to provide addition al identity information in order to verify the validi ty of their claim.
“Protecting the integrity of the unemployment sys tem and ensuring benefits are going only to valid claimants is a top priority of the Department of Un employment Assistance,” said Massachusetts La bor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “While the program integrity measures we are taking will unfor tunately mean that some claimants will experience temporary delays in pay ment, we believe these steps are necessary to re spond to this unemployment scam. We are working rapidly to respond to this scheme and urge in dividuals who may have had a false unemploy ment claim filed in their name to contact the De partment.”
Individuals who be lieve they may have had a false unemployment claim filed using their identity are urged to uti lize the DUA fraud contact form at mass.gov/unem ployment-fraud or to call the DUA customer ser vice department at 877- 626-6800.
Additional updates re lated to this criminal activity will be posted at mass.gov/unemployment as soon as they are avail able.
