The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Board of Directors voted on June 24 to invite Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School (Whittier Tech) into the Feasibility Study phase of the MSBA school building process. The vote marks the district's advancement from the Eligibility Period into the next major stage of the MSBA process after Whittier Tech was accepted into the program in August 2025.
During the Feasibility Study phase, Whittier Tech will work closely with the MSBA and project consultants to assess educational needs, evaluate facility options and identify the most appropriate and cost-effective solution to support the future of career and technical education across the region.
“This is an exciting and important step for Whittier Tech,” said Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “We are grateful for the continued partnership of the MSBA and remain committed to a thoughtful, transparent process that keeps our students, families, staff and member communities informed and engaged as we evaluate options for the future.”
Whittier Tech has been working with state, local and higher education partners to explore opportunities for the future of the school. One concept under consideration is a potential shared-campus model with Northern Essex Community College (NECC) in Haverhill, which could expand access to college coursework, strengthen workforce pathways and create additional opportunities for students.
“Whittier Tech and NECC share the common mission of preparing students for meaningful careers, while helping employers meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy,” said NECC President Lane A. Glenn. “The feasibility study offers an opportunity to explore how we might combine the strengths of both institutions in new and innovative ways that expand opportunity and strengthen workforce pathways across the region. Thank you to the MSBA and our many partners for helping us explore this vision.”
A School Building Committee has been established to guide the feasibility process, and the district has voted to fund the study so member communities are not required to contribute financially at this stage.
At the same time, the Regional Agreement Amendment Committee (RAAC), made up of representatives from all 11 member communities, continues its work reviewing and updating the district's regional agreement to support the district's long-term future.
Whittier Tech serves students from Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury. The district will continue providing updates and opportunities for community engagement throughout the planning process.