The School Committee voted unanimously to reappoint Mark Strout as Marblehead’s representative to the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District School Committee, extending his service for another three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Before the vote, Committee members outlined the structure and role of the regional district.
“The Essex Northshore Agricultural and Technical School District School Committee consists of 20 members, one from each of our 17 sending districts and three representing the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture,” Chair Al Williams said.
Strout, the town’s current representative and the Essex North Shore Committee’s chairperson, was praised for his leadership and service.
Williams said, “He was described as being ‘highly recommended by the school’s superintendent and our town moderator… for another term,” with clarification that the superintendent referenced was from the Essex school district, not Marblehead.
During the discussion, Committee member Jenn Schaeffner raised broader questions about changes at the technical school, particularly regarding admissions. One member noted that the application process had shifted, saying it “used to be an application process that was… subject… and is now, I believe, a lottery system.”
She said some community members expressed concern that demand continues to exceed available seats, stating there are “more students interested in attending the technical school… than there are seats.”
Schaeffner suggested inviting Strout to provide an update on enrollment pressures, admissions changes, and possible future expansion.
“It might be helpful just for the Committee and the administration to understand what they’re doing, what their plans are, and then how that might inform us,” one member said.
The discussion also touched on the importance of vocational and technical opportunities for students who may not gain admission.
Superintendent John Robidoux referenced conversations about in-district alternatives, including certification programs and career pathways.
“Opportunities for students are much needed,” he said, adding that the district wants to ensure access is “at a fair level.”
Schaeffner encouraged colleagues to visit the Essex campus, praising the school and its facilities.
“It’s an amazing… beautiful… and our town funds our students going there,” she said, noting that while it is not a school district budget item, it is a town budget consideration.
