Waltham School Committee Sends Northeast Renaming Evidence to City Council Without Recommendation

WALTHAM -- May 6, 2026, Waltham School Committee voted to send the City Council a summary of public testimony on renaming Northeast Elementary School, with nine speakers opposing the change and two in favor, leaving the decision to the council. Assistant Principal Kelly McAvoy told the committee that 88.9 percent of the 81 staff who responded to an April survey were opposed to renaming the 71-year-old school for former Superintendent John J. DeDonough, while teacher Ryan Hoyt proposed instead naming the 617 Lexington Street campus, already served by a driveway called Jack's Way, for the late superintendent. The committee's unanimous vote, moved by Mrs. Aljamal, included a friendly amendment from Mr. Turalo noting "glowing support" for DeDonough's legacy in all testimony, and a second amendment from Mr. Zangi directing that a video link be sent to councilors. Separately, Superintendent Dr. Ilda Mendonza presented an amended FY27 budget maintaining the $8.6 million total increase, with out-of-district special education costs projected at $15.5 million, a $5.3 million jump, and repurposing rather than eliminating most affected ESL staff at Waltham High School; after debate, the committee unanimously voted to add back a 1.0 FTE ESL coach during the SEI transition. Three finalists for the Waltham High School principal vacancy were announced: Dr. William Canard of New Bedford, Mr. Joel Stembridge of Holliston, and Dr. Robert Remetti of Boston Prep, with community forums scheduled for the week of May 12.