Why Residents Should Support the 2.5 Override for School’s Future
Dear Editor:
As proud members of the Winthrop community, we have always valued the importance of a strong educational system. Our schools are the heart of our town, shaping the future of our children and, by extension, the future of our community. Today, we are writing to express our wholehearted support for the proposed 2.5 override for Winthrop Public Schools and to urge our fellow residents to join us in this crucial endeavor.
Our town has not had an override in 15 years. The annual 2.5% increase on the tax levy is insufficient to keep up with the operational cost of our school system. We simply cannot deliver adequate educational services during a time of historic inflation and a continued increase in unfunded education mandates from the state. State aid is not significantly increasing for Winthrop while enrollment continues to rise. At the same time, new growth revenue is small.
During the COVID 19 Pandemic (FY21-FY24), we were fortunate to receive significant pandemic grant funding to supplement our school budgets, allowing us to provide appropriate staffing, materials, supplies and student support services that would not have been possible otherwise. These funds were not used in haste – they were spent to address our facility and technology needs, student academic recovery supports, and the mental health of our students and staff during these challenging times.
The 2.5 override is not just a fiscal measure; it is a commitment to preserving the quality of education in Winthrop. Here are some of the key reasons why this override is essential:
Maintaining Optimal Class Sizes: Small class sizes are vital for effective teaching and learning. Supporting the override will help us maintain our current teacher and support staff levels, ensuring that each student continues to receive the attention and support they need to succeed.
Supporting Struggling Learners: The override will allow us to maintain existing student support services, including counseling and special education, to ensure all students receive the help they need to succeed.
Maintaining Technology and Infrastructure: It is essential to sustain the current level of technology and infrastructure in our schools. The override will help us keep our classrooms equipped with the necessary educational tools to meet 21st-century educational standards.
Supporting Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning: The override will ensure that we continue to provide essential mental health and social-emotional supports for all students, from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Facility Maintenance: Maintaining safe and conducive learning environments is crucial. The override will support necessary upkeep and repairs of our school facilities.
Retaining and Attracting Quality Educators: Our teachers and staff are the backbone of our educational system. The additional funding will help us maintain competitive salaries and professional development opportunities, ensuring we retain our dedicated educators.
7. Preserving Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities, including sports and the arts, play a crucial role in the holistic development of our students. By supporting the override, we ensure that these programs remain funded and accessible, providing students with valuable opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and creative expression.
Please be assured: asking for a 2.5 override during a time when many of our residents feel financially strapped is not a decision made lightly. However, the future of our children and our community depends on the quality of education we provide today. By sustaining our schools, we are investing in a stable and prosperous future for Winthrop.
We urge you to support the 2.5 override and join us in voting for the continued excellence of Winthrop Public Schools. In the coming months, we will be hosting multiple public events in order to answer your questions and gather community feedback about this crucial vote.
Together, we can ensure that our children receive the education they deserve and that our community continues to thrive.
Thank you for your attention and support.
Kaitlin Burroughs,
Chair
Gillian Teixeira,
Treasurer
Julie Barry
Bob Carroll
Annie Ferreria
Suzanne Leonard
Kay O’Dwyer
Shannon Poulos
Suzanne Swope