Why should we vote NO on the Ballot question?

It will rescind the vote that was taken at Town Meeting to add over 2 million dollars and it gets us much closer to a balanced budget, which is required by state law.

If the Ballot question passes what happens?

Then the School Committee budget will be over 2 million dollars over balanced and we will need to return to a Town Meeting and cut other budgets to make up the shortage in funds...... OR an override will be placed on the balance to raise the revenue.

How did we get here?

The School Committee (every member) refused to cut 2% of the previous years budget as directed by the Finance Committee and instead brought a budget to Town Meeting that was 8% over the previous years budget. The override Moms affiliated with the PTO's, including the teachers union, packed town meeting to pass the amendment, adding millions to the school budget. Those of us that were against the amendment gathered over 200 signatures to place the question on the ballot as allowed under the Town Charter. It is important to note that the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen were opposed to the amendment. Only the School Committee and the other PTO's supporters and the teachers union supported it.

Will there be an override question coming up?

It is not really known at this time. On can assume that if this question is defeated it puts pressure on our town officials to avoid asking for an override. If it passes, in all likelihood we will see another override attempt.