Teddy Panos

by Qinglong Diep LOWELL – The Lowell School Committee voted 6-0 Wednesday to rate Superintendent Liam Skinner’s overall summative performance as proficient and, in a separate 6-0 vote, open talks on extending his contract, which is in its final year. Mayor Erik Gitschier proposed the contract talks after members shared their positive comments on Skinner’s annual evaluation. School Committee member Danielle McFadden seconded the motion.

Zuhair Syed, a Community Organizer with the Merrimack Valley Project, is entering the race to replace Danny Rourke as Lowell’s District 1 (Pawtucketville) City Councilor. Syed, a 2018 Lowell High grad, declared his candidacy in a statement sent to InsideLowell Tuesday night. “As a proud Lowell native, I’ve always believed in the potential of our city and the people who call it home,” Syed wrote.

Rodney Elliott, who threw his hat in the ring for District 1 City Councilor after Danny Rourke’s resignation, has decided not to seek the seat. The former Mayor, City Councilor and State Representative from Pawtucketville released a statement Wednesday afternoon, outlining the reasons for his decision. (the statement is published in its entirety below) Elliott’s departure leaves local realtor Ray Boutin as the only declared candidate to this point.