Lowell panel votes to honor Kennedy, Samaras
A Lowell School Committee subcommittee voted to recommend naming a new Lowell High School academic building for former state Sen. Edward J.
School Committee · Meeting of August 11, 2026
LOWELL — A Lowell School Committee subcommittee voted to recommend naming a new Lowell High School academic building for former state Sen. Edward J. Kennedy Jr. and the school's student center for former Mayor Bill Samaras.
The panel approved the Kennedy recommendation 4-0 and the Samaras recommendation 3-0, with one member, Mr. Rossi, not responding to the second roll call. School Committee member Conway, who said he worked with Samaras for "37 years, 38 years," said the longtime Lowell High headmaster "spent his entire life dedicated to the students... and to the community." The panel heard Kennedy's biography, including his four Senate terms and his push for the Student Opportunity Act, and recapped testimony from a June 16 Lowell City Council meeting on the Samaras naming, including remarks from former Police Superintendent Edward Davis.
Both recommendations now go to the full School Committee for a final vote, expected Aug. 19 or Sept. 2.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 1,786 words
Source: the School Committee meeting of August 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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