A proposal to eliminate the school lottery system and reduce the enrollment radius to one mile sparked a lively discussion at the Revere Public Schools Ways and Means Subcommittee meeting on March 19, 2025. The conversation centered around the potential benefits of these changes, particularly in terms of cost savings and community engagement.

One committee member expressed strong support for neighborhood schools, advocating for a one-mile radius instead of the current two-mile limit. "I would just like to see what no lottery and a one-mile radius would look like," they stated, emphasizing the need for a gradual transition that would allow current students to finish their grades without disruption. The member suggested that sixth, seventh, and eighth graders should remain in their current schools to minimize upheaval.

While acknowledging that immediate savings might be minimal, the member argued that over time, the district could see significant reductions in transportation costs as fewer students would need to be bussed. "By the third year, you would be busing less kids," they noted, highlighting the long-term financial implications of the proposed changes.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of implementing such a shift, with some members expressing concerns about the impact on students who have already started their education in specific schools. The idea of maximizing savings by moving all students to a two-mile radius was met with resistance, as many felt it would not be in the best interest of the children involved.

As the committee continues to explore these options, the focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of the community and its students. The next steps will involve further analysis of the potential savings and the logistics of any proposed changes, with a commitment to keeping the community informed throughout the process.