Subcommittee recommends lease for Discovery High School amid questions over who pays years 2–3

The Legislative & Contracts Subcommittee voted to recommend to the full committee a three‑year lease (with seven option years) for Discovery High School’s occupancy of the top two floors of the MassLive/Chestnut Street building, after a detailed presentation and questioning about who would be responsible for payments in years two and three.

Staff said the lease includes an initial three‑year term and that an upfront prepayment is planned to cover years two and three so the owner can be paid. An Empowerment Zone representative told the committee the zone expects to cover the three‑year obligation if the district cannot; the representative said the zone would be “putting our necks out” to support the program because of its educational value.

Several members cautioned about the district’s fiscal capacity and budget season constraints, and asked whether the district’s budget included the payments. A committee member said they must recuse because they serve on the Empowerment Zone board. Attorney Keith advised listing the specific changes on the record or returning a revised draft for clarity before final approval. The roll call showed sufficient votes to forward the lease approval as a recommendation to the full committee.

Committee members and staff said the recommendation is a step to secure space for students while district budgeting conversations continue; final funding responsibilities and any inter‑agency agreements will be clarified in subsequent conversations and documents to be circulated to the full committee.