News

Carpenters Local 346 spearheaded a successful campaign for construction of a new South Shore Technical High School (SSVT) in Hanover, MA. Working in conjunction with the Friends of SSVT grassroots advocacy group, formed and run by the owners’ project manager Leftfield LLC, and Suffolk Construction, Local 346 was able to bring visibility, gain supporters and help see this project move forward.

The efforts included educating our members and their families in the districts to encourage the new school vote, as well as volunteering at polling stations on voting day. With the support of our members, the vote passed by 78% throughout the district. The nine towns in the regional district were required to pass a debt exclusion referendum to fund 60% of the cost of the school and access the 40% made available from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

The original school was built in 1962; there was a need for a new, more modern and energy efficient building. The new 250,000 sq. ft. building will be able to accommodate 900 students-a step up from the original facility. NASRCC Business Representative Paul Vilela worked closely with Leftfield in the early stages of the campaign. The collaborative efforts of Leftfield, Suffolk, the educators, school administrators, officeholders and Local 346 then had a significant impact on a successful result. The project will now provide both work opportunities for union carpenters and a pathway to a rewarding future in the industry for SSVT students.