STONEHAM – Stoneham families were scheduled to begin the school year on Aug. 28. That date was postponed due to delays in the construction of the new Stoneham High School.
Parents learned of the delay in mid-August, which pushed school back to September 3 for the entire district.
“It’s really, really frustrating,” said Amy Mondello, a parent of three. “We just feel like we’re not getting the information that we need. The kids obviously want to go back and see their friends. The parents want the kids to go back.”
The high school kitchen is the focal point
The new $200 million Stoneham High School houses the kitchen that serves as the central hub for the district, which is why the delay has led to delays throughout the district.
CBS Boston
In an email to families on Tuesday, Superintendent David Ljungberg revealed that school could be delayed even further for some students. Temporary stays were granted over the weekend to faculty and staff, but not yet to students.
“If the TCO does not approve student access to the building, there may be further delays in the start date for preschool and high school students,” his email said.
All elementary and middle school students will start on September 3, the school district said.
Parents concerned about safety
Some parents are also concerned about the safety of high school students returning to school in an unfinished building. “When you say certain areas are not finished, you know everyone wonders, ‘Well, do I have to send my kid to a construction site?'” parent Tony Coward told WBZ. “You know, I don’t have kids in high school. But I would be concerned about my son walking into an area he shouldn’t be in?”
For groups with younger children, the Stoneham/Wakefield Boys and Girls Club has expanded its summer program, during a time when they would otherwise be busy preparing for the school year.
“Parents need us,” said Anthony Guardia, the chief development officer. “Childcare is critical, especially for families and working families, and we see ourselves as an extension of a social safety net.”
Guardia told WBZ he was impressed with how quickly the Boys & Girls Club teachers responded. “They’ve put together a very impressive expansion of the summer camp curriculum,” he said.
WBZ has contacted Stoneham’s school principal and is awaiting a statement from the district.
Kristina Rex
