The Healey administration is exploring an innovative way to update the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School — a shared campus between the Haverhill school and Northern Essex Community College’s nearby campus.
The proposal comes in the wake of a failed vote in its member communities to fund building a new high school for about $444.6 million.
Under a shared campus model, the “evolving educational needs of the region’s students and communities” are met, efficiently and affordably, according to state offiicals.
This partnership will explore ways to create a new, modern facility for Whittier Tech, allow for expanded access to postsecondary education across northeastern Massachusetts, and increase enrollment capacity at both institutions and make them more affordable. It will also open up new avenues for potential additional funding sources beyond cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley.
“Our administration knows that a new, modern facility is needed for Whittier Tech, but we also understand the communities’ concerns about cost,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “This potential collaboration between Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School and Northern Essex Community College aims to meet the needs of our students and communities in an efficient, affordable and innovative way.”
“This is a pivotal moment for education and workforce development,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “This effort is intended to generate a shared commitment across the district to develop a plan that will meet the demands of our students in an ever-changing economy, while also accounting for the financial demands of municipal budgets.”
“NECC and Whittier Tech have similar missions and have been successfully collaborating on Early College and adult vocational programs for years,” said Lane Glenn, President of Northern Essex Community College. “With better paying jobs requiring some kind of postsecondary education and training, exploring an innovative shared campus model has tremendous potential for students, families, communities, and the regional workforce needs of the Merrimack Valley.”
“Whittier Tech is excited about the possibility of working with NECC and exploring opportunities to combine our resources to support our students and our workforce,” said Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “We’re grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for their leadership on this innovative proposal that has the potential to be truly transformative for our school and our economy.”
“We know that the spaces that our students and educators spend time in can facilitate or inhibit learning,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I look forward to working with NECC President Lane Glenn, Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch and our state and local partners on this innovative collaboration and shared commitment that centers student and educator experiences and sets them up for success, while also supporting the local community and economy.”
The Healey-Driscoll administration will collaborate with Northern Essex Community College and Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School to garner feedback on the proposed idea, and to have a discussion with local leaders, regional stakeholders and Whittier’s member communities.