The Lawrence City Council voted on Nov. 6 to allow Greater Lawrence Technical School to amend the purpose of a previously authorized $4,000,000 bond so the district may use the money to design, construct, furnish and equip an addition at 57 River Road in Andover.

John Lavoy, superintendent of Greater Lawrence Technical School, told the council the district had tried for years to acquire the Elks Lodge building at 652 Andover Street but was unable to reach terms. He said the school now proposes a two‑story addition on the west side of its existing facility that would expand health‑care programming and create new credential pathways such as pharmaceutical technician, certified patient care technician, medical billing and coding, emergency medical technician, radiology and a licensed practical nursing track.

"This initiative is a critical component of our ongoing effort to prepare students for high‑demand careers in the health care sector," Lavoy said. He described partnerships with Lawrence General Hospital, Northern Essex Community College and Regis College to create direct pathways for students and said the expansion could allow the school to enroll roughly 250 more students over time. Lavoy also said the school plans to introduce a public‑safety program that would train EMTs, firefighters and other first‑responder roles; he clarified the bond amendment itself funds the medical facility expansion and not the public‑safety program directly.

Councilors asked about student demand and timing. Lavoy said demand for health programs is high—he cited roughly 150 students who listed medical assistant as a first choice for about 28–30 available seats in a prior year—and said the school aims to complete the addition and open expanded programs in about two years. He also described existing dual‑credit arrangements with Northern Essex that would be strengthened by the new space.

A motion read into the record amended the purpose of the earlier bond so the previously authorized $4,000,000 could be used at 57 River Road, Andover, and stated the amendment would not increase the total amount of borrowing. The council approved the amendment on a roll call vote. Recorded affirmative votes included Councilors Levy, LaPlante, Luzon, Marmol, Reyes, Vice President Infante and Council President Rodriguez; Del Rosario was noted absent.

The council’s action changes the location and project funded by the bond but does not increase the authorized borrowing amount; the superintendent said the district’s bond counsel drafted the motion language.

What’s next: Lavoy told the council the district will proceed with design and planning and expects construction and program openings in about two years. He said the district is negotiating space at Lawrence General Hospital for an LPN program as a follow‑on partnership and expects clinical opportunities to expand with the additional facilities.

(Quote sources: John Lavoy, remarks to the council; council roll call recorded by the city clerk.)