Revere School Committee Navigates Stressful Middle School Lottery Process

The Revere School Committee meeting featured a detailed and organized conduct of middle school lotteries, addressing the concerns of anxious families and ensuring transparency throughout the process. The committee assured families that support would be available for students at all elementary schools the day after the lottery, with further assistance provided throughout the summer. The lotteries, covering transitions from various elementary schools to middle schools such as Rumy Marsh Academy (RMA), Susan B. Anthony (SBA), and Garfield Middle School (GMS), were conducted with careful attention to fairness and clarity.

03:09The structured and transparent lottery process for middle school placements in Revere was the primary focus of the meeting. Recognizing the stress experienced by fifth graders and their families, the committee emphasized support availability post-lottery. Todd Jerzik, a CPA from Cabbiz CPA’s PC, facilitated the lotteries alongside Dr. Danielle Moaba. They assured families that a letter detailing their child’s placement and contact information for further assistance would follow the lottery.

05:24The lottery for Whan Elementary School illustrated the intricate process, with two separate lotteries conducted: one for RMA and one for SBA. The RMA lottery involved 49 names on 47 cards, accommodating two sets of twins. The first 37 names drawn were allocated to RMA, while the remaining 12 were assigned to Garfield Middle School. The methodical drawing involved each name being placed into a drum, spun, and drawn in groups of ten. The process concluded with students like Hajar Alawasi and Alexis Hernandez Gutierrez being placed at RMA, while others were directed to Garfield.

18:52Following the Whan to RMA lottery, the Whan to SBA lottery proceeded with 42 names on 42 cards. The first 31 names were granted placements at SBA, leaving 11 students to attend Garfield. The names were read as they entered the drum, with selections including Emanuel Cardona Burio and Lynn Wang Ngoyan. The remaining students, such as Jode Bowik and Annabelle Burke, were assigned to Garfield Middle School.

29:05The lottery for Hill School was another focal point, with 41 names on 40 cards, allowing for a set of twins on a single card. The first 33 names drawn secured spots at SBA, with names like Kevin Amaya Rodriguez and Nicholas Andria Korea announced. The committee explained that if RMA spots filled first, remaining students would attend Garfield. The process was consistent with the structured approach.

41:00Similar procedures were followed for Paul Revere School’s lottery, which involved 41 names for RMA. The first 23 names drawn gained placement, maintaining the established pattern of name drawing and placement announcements.

The Rumy Marsh Academy (RMA) lottery further highlighted the systematic approach, with 23 initial spots to fill. Names such as Olavia Breo and Sabrina Almeida were drawn, with applause marking notable selections. As RMA spots filled, second-choice preferences were considered, directing some students to Garfield or SBA.

51:22The Garfield Elementary to GMS lottery involved 37 names, with the first 28 attending Garfield and the rest directed to SBA. Names like Melanie Algolar Velasquez were drawn, concluding with all spots filled through a thorough selection process.

01:18:12Subsequent lotteries for Garfield Elementary to RMA, Lincoln School to RMA, and Beachmont Elementary to RMA and GMS followed the same careful procedure. The Beachmont lottery to RMA included 18 names on 17 cards, with applause following each of the first 16 names drawn, like Omar Abulanasar.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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