Everett School Committee highlights mental‑health supports, CTE expansion and student celebrations

The Everett School Committee on May 5 heard Superintendent Bill Hart summarize district mental‑health supports, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming and recent student events, and the committee voted to accept his report and place it on file.

Hart told the committee that “May is Mental Health Awareness Month” and reviewed district partnerships and services available to students and staff, including a 24/7 care‑navigation service he identified as Care Solace and the district’s social‑emotional team and social workers.

Hart said the district is marking the month with awareness activities and outreach to families and staff. The superintendent also reported on recent student events: the senior prom (which he said welcomed almost 500 students at the Danvers Port Yacht Club), a senior pathway luncheon that honored 43 students who completed pathway courses and internships, and an awards program that recognized four teachers for excellence, honor and success.

Student representative Kelly Saint Fort summarized high‑school activities before the committee. “The Crimson Marching Band is back and is practicing for their upcoming season,” Saint Fort said, and she noted upcoming events including Girls Tennis Senior Night on May 13 and a Wave Club field trip to Empowering Teen Voices on May 9. She also reported that a student advisory board draft budget for district recycling bins is under review.

Hart gave details on the pathway internships named at the luncheon, saying students had worked with Cambridge Health Alliance and with local facilities in Chelsea. He also noted recognition for longtime faculty: Sue Lomas, who will retire after 33 years with Everett Public Schools, was honored at a recent event.

On CTE, Hart said the district is expanding offerings and planning future space beyond Everett High School, and he named Lisa Sandler as the keynote speaker at the district’s Career and Technical Education awards ceremony. The superintendent noted the CTE senior banquet will be held at the Cowan restaurant.

Committee business at the meeting was largely procedural: the body waived the reading of April 29 minutes, opened and closed public comment (no speakers were present), and accepted the student representative and superintendent reports; all motions carried with the ayes prevailing.

The committee was reminded that a CPAC (parent advisory) meeting is planned for Monday, May 12, and Hart closed by submitting his report to the committee.