Students Attend State of the City Address

This week, Global Learning Charter Public School’s entire eighth grade and a group of high school students traveled downtown to the newly renovated Zeiterion Theatre to hear Mayor Jon Mitchell present his State of the City speech. For the first time in recent history, students from area schools were invited to attend and GLCPS took full advantage of it by sending the entire 8th grade along with the students who are taking high school civics with Director of Academics Mr. Michael. Why the 8th grade class, you ask? Well, they are learning about the workings of government. 

Listening to the mayor share details about the health of the city was eye-opening and educational. Everyone now has a better understanding of the challenges the city faces and of the mayor’s specific goals for the future.  

The tradition of having the mayor deliver the state of the city address began long ago. This event typically takes place in early April, right as the weather begins to turn from the bleak cold of winter to the milder breezes of spring. The mayor uses the address to announce upcoming projects and to give an update on the success of recently completed ones, such as a new housing complex downtown and the new commuter rail service from New Bedford to Boston. The mayor also warns in his speech about tough challenges ahead, such as the city’s financial outlook as expenses outpace revenue from state aid and property taxes. 

For one GLCPS student, a highlight of the speech was when the mayor updated the progress of a new elementary school being built in the city’s south end. “One thing in particular that he spoke about that I would like to see happen would be the completion of the new school,” said Justin Avila-Socon, a junior.  The completely modernized structure will replace one of the city’s existing elementary school buildings, many of which are outdated and inefficient.  

Before wrapping up his State of the City address, Mayor Mitchell challenged everyone in the greater New Bedford community to do what they can to improve the quality of life here. Whether by supporting local businesses, donating to local organizations or volunteering time and talent, he implored his fellow citizens to do their fair share to build on the city’s strengths. 

At the conclusion of his speech, the mayor stepped down from the stage to mingle with the many students who were there. He shook hands, posed for photos and spoke to as many of the students as he could. Which, when you think about it, makes perfect sense. Because here before him stood the future of our city.

Emma Moniz is a senior at GLCPS. As part of her senior internship program, she is writing news articles for and about the GLCPS community.