Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School

Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School
New Northeast Metro Tech Building
Location
100 Hemlock Road

Wakefield
,
Massachusetts
01880

United States

42°29′43″N 71°02′36″W / 42.49528°N 71.04333°W / 42.49528; -71.04333
Information
School typePublic Schools, Vocational-technical school
Opened1968
School district
Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District
NCES District ID
2508960
SuperintendentDavid DiBarri
CEEB code222171
NCES School ID
08530605
Principal
Richard M. Barden
Teaching staff
128 (FTE)
Grades9-12
Enrollment1,414 (2025-26)
Student to teacher ratio
10.33
Classes offered
College Preparatory, Honors, Learning Center, Advanced Placement and Early College
ColorsBlack  and Gold 
AthleticsCheerleading, Cross-Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Indoor Track, Swimming, Wrestling, Baseball, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Softball, Tennis
Athletics conference
Commonwealth Athletic Conference
MascotGolden Knights
NicknameThe Voke
Team nameGolden Knights
Budget$34,650,017 total
$27,214 per pupil
(2023)

Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School, also known as Northeast Metro Tech or The Voke, is a regional vocational school located in Wakefield, Massachusetts, United States. It was originally founded in 1968 and draws students from the cities and towns of Chelsea, Malden, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester, Winthrop, and Woburn.

The number of students each city or town sends is dependent on its population and the amount of money it contributes to the budget of the school. The City of Malden is the largest contributor of students, Chelsea is the second largest contributor, and Woburn is the third. Also, students from Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield and Medford, which border the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District, may attend the school if they apply and are approved.

Students in their third trimester of junior year, or all year in senior year, may be eligible to try a Co-op program. This program allows students to go from being in their career technical area at school to working in a paid job site.

The football team won back-to-back Division 4A State Championships in 2009 and 2010.

Career and Technical Education

Northeast Metro Tech currently offers twenty vocational programs that provides students with hands on training and career preparation of industries. During their senior year, students are offered the opportunity to participate in an additional STEM experience during their vocational program week. The STEM experience takes place on one day of the student’s scheduled program week and provides students with additional exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The twenty vocational programs are:

1. Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing

2. Automotive Technology

3. Biotechnology

4. Business Technology

5. Carpentry

6. Construction Craft Laborer

7. Cosmetology

8. Culinary Arts

9. Dental Assisting

10. Design and Visual Communications

11. Drafting and Design

12. Early Childhood Education

13. Electrical

14. Health Assisting

15. HVAC and Refrigeration

16. Marketing Technology

17. Medical Assisting

18. Metal Fabrication

19. Plumbing and Pipefitting

20. Robotics and Automation

New Building Construction

In 2016, Superintendent David DiBarri began discussions with state legislators to gain support for a new school building for Northeast Metro Tech. A feasibility study was conducted to assess potential options, and the decision was made to demolish the existing facility and construct a new building on the current campus. The project was subsequently approved to appear on the ballot for a district-wide vote.

On January 25, 2022, the twelve municipalities that send students to the school, referred to as "sending communities", held a special election to determine whether to approve funding for the project. Of the twelve communities, only Chelsea voted against the proposal; however, approximately 80% of voters supported the measure, securing the necessary approval for the project to proceed. Construction officially began in August 2022. Site mobilization took place in September and October 2023. The new school building reached completion in May 2026 and opened at the start of the 2026–2027 academic year, opening to students on September 2nd.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Enrollment Data (2024-25) - Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical (08530000)". Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - per Pupil Expenditures Statewide Report".
  3. ↑ "Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School". Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  4. ↑ O’Neil, Donna (May 11, 2009). "Voke accident victim succumbs to injuries". The Wakefield Observer. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Northeast Metro Tech Hosts Legislative Breakfast to Discuss New Building Plans". Northeast Metro Tech Building Committee. December 23, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Northeast Metro Tech Invited Into MSBA's Feasibility Study Phase for New Building Project". Northeast Metro Tech Building Committee. April 16, 2019. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  7. 1 2 "NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL ELECTION JANUARY 25, 2022". www.cityofmalden.org. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  8. 1 2 "October 2023 Construction Update". Northeast Metro Tech Building Committee. November 14, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  9. ↑ "August 2023 Construction Updates". Northeast Metro Tech Building Committee. October 5, 2023. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
  10. ↑ "North East Metropolitan Tech: Weekly News Letter".