By Adam Swift
The Winthrop School Committee and superintendent are holding virtual town hall meetings the next three Wednesdays, Oct. 16, 23, and 30 to discuss the proposed $4,950,000 Proposition 2-½ override for the schools that will be on the November general election ballot.
The override would help cover expected shortfalls in the school budget for three years, beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
If the override passes at the polls, the average homeowner will see an increase in their property tax bill of about $935 per year, Town Council President Jim Letterie has stated.
The virtual meetings will be conducted via Zoom, and the links are available on the town’s website at winthropma.gov. The meeting on Oct. 16 begins at 6 p.m., while the Oct. 23 and 30 meetings are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
At this week’s school committee meeting, town councilor and former school committee member Suzanne Swope talked about the need to get out the word about and support for the override during the public speaking portion of the meeting.
“I’ve been canvassing … some are very enthusiastic about what we are doing and very excited about the schools,” said Swope.
However, she said there are many others who do not know about the override or how it will work.
“I think we have some education to do,” said Swope, who encouraged greater outreach and education about the vote. “I know it takes a long time for canvassing, I’ve done all of Court Road, and we’ve done just about that whole precinct, and those are folks who know about education and are pretty up to speed about it. But when I tell you there are lots who don’t know about this, really, I am serious.”
Howard said the district is working hard with the override steering committee to get its message out. “As small as Winthrop is, it is big when it comes to getting these messages out and trying our best to engage the community,” she said. “I want to thank the committee that has been actively pursuing members of the community. They were at the fall fair yesterday and I had the opportunity to stop by the table and talk to them.” The superintendent noted that there will also be continued outreach efforts beyond the fall forums.