Salem Schools To Fully Privatize Bus Routes: Patch Weekender

SALEM, MA — Hope everyone on the North Shore is enjoying some fun in the sun this weekend after an early week heatwave and a surprisingly chilly Friday.

A lot happened in the region over the past few days culminating on Friday with more debate on the proposed peaker power plant in Peabody and the Salem School Committee voting to award the district's full bus contract to NRT Bus Inc. —meaning 22 union driver and monitor positions will be phased out over three years.

Danvers elevated two members of the police department to chief and captain, new Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller championed the work of police while allowing all departments must embrace transparency and fairness for all, and some extremely talented Marblehead students got a college boost from the Rotary Club.

Check out those stories and more in the latest edition of Patch Weekender:

Salem School Committee Votes To Fully Privatize Bus Routes

Salem Public Schools will fully privatize its bus services over the next three years after the School Committee voted 4-3 to accept Superintendent Steve Zrike's proposal to phase out the district-run fleet and award the full contract to NRT Bus Inc.

Mayor Kim Driscoll cast the deciding vote on the motion during a special meeting of the School Committee late Friday afternoon.

Those who voted yes on awarding the contract to NRT, which has shared the routes with Salem Transportation in recent years, said it was a difficult decision based on the greater priorities of the district and the cost of maintaining an aging bus fleet in need of substantial repair and replacement over the next few years.

Those who voted no said the district owed the drivers and monitors after their work during the coronavirus pandemic year and that further investments should be made to bolster the transportation department rather than eliminate it.

Peabody Power Plant Opposition Delivers Petition Ahead Of Forum

Climate advocacy representatives opposed to a long-planned natural gas- and oil-powered surge capacity power plant in Peabody said they hope a June 22 public forum on the project will be a discussion about alternatives to the current proposal.

State Rep. Sally Kerans (D-Danvers) joined representatives from the Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Breathe Clean North Shore and Community Action Works who spoke Friday after delivering a petition with 1,070 signatures to Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Energy Company headquarters in Ludlow asking the utility company to alter or abandon the plans for a fossil fuel-powered plant at the Waters Street substation.

"That's good news," Kerans said of the forum announced Thursday and scheduled in two weeks at Peabody's Torigian Center. "We welcome it. We welcome the chance for people from both Danvers and Peabody to go and share their concerns."

Peabody Mayor Bettencourt Launches Re-Election Bid

Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt touted the city's response to the coronavirus crisis challenges, the resolution of a long-debated cell tower proposal, and ongoing road improvement and quality-of-life projects in declaring his intention to run for a sixth term as mayor.

"I am really proud of what we have been able to accomplish despite the tragedy and hardship of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said in a statement provided to Patch. "Our community has been through so much during the past year. But we persevered, and together we look forward to much brighter days ahead."

7-Year-Old Lucy Frates Steals Hearts, Show At Fenway Park

With half the Fenway Park infield covered with members of the Beverly-based Frates family, it was 7-year-old Lucy Frates — daughter of late former Boston College player and ALS Ice Bucket Challenge founder Pete Frates — who stole the show with her first pitch Tuesday night.

Danvers Promotes New Police Chief, Captain From Within Department

Danvers promoted from within the department for its new police chief and captain as Capt. James Lovell will take over as the new permanent chief and Lt. Ashley Sanborn becomes the newest captain.

Essex Tech Teacher Named Outstanding Biology Teacher Of The Year

An Essex Tech teacher whose students mentor middle school classes on the North Shore and who works with local farms on the best ways to test their soil was named the National Association of Biology Teachers Massachusetts' Outstanding Biology Teacher for 2021.

Beverly Block Party Is Back On This Summer

The party will return to the streets of Beverly for the first time in two years with the Beverly Main Streets Block Party scheduled for July 24.

New Salem Police Chief: 'We Need Not Be Afraid Of Scrutiny'

New Salem Chief of Police Lucas Miller: "We don't need the benefit of the doubt. What we do — what you do — is not shameful. It's not secret.

"And it’s not a necessary evil."

Marblehead Students Awarded Rotary Club Scholarships

The Marblehead Rotary Club awarded six scholarships to deserving Marblehead students as they head off to college in the fall.

The Rotary Club increased its awards this year to help offset the rising cost of college tuition.

Recipients were selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated community service, financial need, and excellence in sports or the arts.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)