The $56.2 billion spending plan approved by the Massachusetts legislature last week included $25,000 to upgrade the gym and weight room at Andover High School.
But when Andover News asked Andover Public Schools spokesperson Nicole Kieser for comment on Wednesday, she consulted with an assistant superintendent and the school committee and said “none of us are aware of any earmark for this purpose.” She referred comment to state Reps. Tram Ngyen (D-Andover), Frank Moran (D-Lawrence) and state Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover), Andover’s legislative delegation.
It was Moran who filed the earmark in the state budget and enlisted Nguyen and Finegold to help push it through after “hearing from parents and coaches about the need for an upgraded weight room for student athletes,” Francis Munro, Moran’s chief of staff, said Thursday.
“This funding will allow the high school to purchase new workout equipment or replace any outdated equipment to support youth sports in Andover,” Munro said.
“I am also thankful for the partnership of the Andover State Delegation throughout this process and look forward to seeing how these historic investments will positively transform the lives of residents in Andover and throughout Massachusetts,” Moran said in a news release.
Stock photo.