|
Community Advocates for Gansett Greatness
To the Editor:
An exciting buzz has been swirling around the towns of Templeton and
Phillipston for some time now.
Although the override did not pass in either town on April 30, this has not
dampened the drive and spirit of those who believe in “’Gansett Greatness.”
In fact, it has inspired and strengthened the energy and enthusiasm of those
invested in the future of these towns and our school district.
Tuesday, at the Phillipston Town Meeting, their community passed their
portion of the district budget. The community came together in support of the
school after thoughtful discussion. This was not an easy decision for the
town, but in the end they did what they thought was best for the children.
The weekly Community Advocates for Gansett Greatness meeting, every Thursday
at 6:30 p.m. at the Middle School, garnered the largest crowd ever, just two
days after the defeat of the override, with almost 100 community members in
attendance.
It is great to see so many fellow citizens take action on issues that are
important to them, our schools and the future of our community. All are
welcome.
Like many school systems across the commonwealth, our school district has
been paralyzed over the last few years as a result of the economic downturn.
Specifically, over the last three years, the district has been forced to
eliminate 12 teachers, multiple guidance counselors and countless aids.
As a result, our class sizes are bursting at the seams, and the overall
learning environment has unquestionably been affected. The incoming kindergarten
class could see upwards of 40 children per classroom.
Research shows that the impact of large class sizes on children and our
community is significant and can affect a student’s education and life
chances throughout their K-12 experience and into adulthood. This is
one of many issues about which we are concerned.
We have been encouraging everyone to attend the town meetings because we need
to come together as a community and figure out how to move forward for the
benefit of all. We need to be informed, ask questions, listen to the answers
and vote on all the warrant articles put before the residents in our
communities.
Why you ask? Without the police, fire, ambulatory services, town hall, town
clerk, assessors, light and water, sewer department, highway and more — how
can our town function and in turn how can our school function?
What about the safety of our citizens and our children? This matters to
all of us as a community and it is our job to be involved and support one
another. Our towns and our schools need everyone’s full participation and
support to have civil discussions and make informed, evidenced-based
decisions.
Each and every person living in these communities can ensure that the Gansett
Greatness group along with our children will continue to thrive. How? By
attending the Town Hall meeting in Templeton on May 14 at 7 p.m. Babysitting
will be provided by teachers and high school students in our school district.
Together we can continue building a great ’Gansett community.
Community Advocates for Gansett Greatness
|
I have some information from the Town Clerk regarding special elections and the cost involved:
ReplyDelete"Hi Julie,
To answer your questions:
I contacted the State Elections division and was informed that we are allowed to have a dual election on June 25th the date of the Special State Election. The State election will approximately cost the town 2,500.00 (that’s including a partial reimbursement from the State) and a dual election will cost the town approximately an additional $3,500.00. Approximate total cost being $6,000.00.
If the town votes to have an election with just a question on the ballot, the exact wording of the question(s)would need to be submitted to my office at least 35 days prior to June 25th which would be Tuesday May 21st.
The town could not have a dual election on June 25th with candidates on the ballot. The State requires that the last day to obtain nomination papers for an election be 51 days prior to said election." END QUOTE.
The information above is necessary to understand the costs involved as well as the process for an election ballot.
If the warrant article for the override passes, it could be placed on the ballot for the June 25th senate race. It would cost the Town of Templeton an additional $6,000 for this election with a ballot question in THIS fiscal year. If voted this would necessitate an additional monetary transfer by the Town clerk to the advisory Board.
If the BOS were to decide to fill the vacancy left by Virginia Wilder's resignation (tendered yesterday), it is not possible to have that election coincide with the state election on June 25th. That election would have to be held AFTER July 1, 2013 into the new fiscal year due to the time required for holding an election.
There are no easy answers here.
Julie Farell