School committee accepts grants and donations for programs, food service upgrades

The Everett School Committee voted Dec. 2 to accept multiple grants and donations intended to support student programs and food services.

The board accepted a FY25 interpreter and education training grant of $25,140 from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to help family liaisons obtain interpretive certification, the superintendent said.

The committee also accepted two Everett Citizens Foundation awards: $6,605 for the Everett High School photography team and $10,000 for a Webster Extension music-education project. Superintendent noted the foundation was established as part of the Wynn Resorts Casino host-community agreement and provides funds for local programs.

On nutrition, the committee accepted a $10,000 Breakfast After the Bell collaboration grant to buy equipment that will allow hot breakfast items to be transported from the high school commissary to other schools. "This money will allow us to purchase the proper equipment to do just that, to transport hot food to be hot," the superintendent said. The project was prepared with support from Whitson's Food Service and its general manager, Hannah Yu.

The board also accepted a $250 Market Basket gift-card donation from the Zonta Club of Chelsea and the North Shore for distribution to students in need.

All motions to accept the grants and donations were moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The superintendent said staff will create a new fund code to track the Breakfast After the Bell grant and that purchases will follow grant application terms.

Next steps: staff will account for grant funds in district budgets and proceed with vendor purchases consistent with grant requirements.