Committee Names LHS Buildings After Kennedy, Samaras
Lowell's School Committee voted to name a new Lowell High School building for the late Sen. Edward J. Kennedy and its Student Support Center for William J. Samaras. The 6-0 votes followed testimony from former state Sen. Steve Panagiotakos and former City Councilor Dan Rourke.
School Committee · Meeting of August 19, 2026
Lowell's School Committee voted to name a new Lowell High School building for the late Sen. Edward J. Kennedy and its Student Support Center for William J.
Samaras. The 6-0 votes followed testimony from former state Sen. Steve Panagiotakos and former City Councilor Dan Rourke.
Separately, United Teachers of Lowell President Pina Maggio told the committee a payroll calendar mismatch means many employees will not get paid on September 3, calling it "a perfect storm." The committee approved, 6-0, a motion requiring June 1 advance notice of such gaps in future years and a $7,522,102 budget modification described as a reclassification with no net impact. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Pinto said the September shortfall "is not a glitch... it's proper procedure," offering no immediate fix.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,096 words
Source: the School Committee meeting of August 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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