The push for a $4.95 million increase in the budget for Winthrop Public Schools continues.  In November, the request for the override failed to pass when 60% of voters voted “no”.  For a full explanation of the issue, more information can be found in this article, published on November 1: Winthrop Public Schools’ Request for a 2.5% Override.  For a shorter explanation: the Winthrop Public Schools system needs at least $3.5 million to keep the school running for the 2025-26 school year the way it is now.

In November, an additional $1.45 million was asked on top of the 3.5 to be put into a stabilized fund where only the school could use it.  If the override were passed, that $1.45 million would be used for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school year.  If the override had passed, this money in the stabilized fund would have prevented the town from asking for an override for a few years.  School Committee Vice-Chairperson Julie Barry says that “it’s imperative that [Winthrop Public Schools has] a 5 year plan.  This fund will help ensure financial stability.”  Ms. Barry adds that there wouldn’t be a need to burden taxpayers in the future.

Now that the override failed, the School Committee has come together to brainstorm new ideas for putting the override back on the ballot early in the New Year.  I’ve attended two School Committee meetings that were open for public comment and heard many opinions.  Some claim that the override was priced too high, maybe a nearly $5 million figure scared people.  Maybe some people just saw the fact that their taxes would go up in price and didn’t realize the consequences.

When the override failed to pass, Superintendent Lisa Howard analyzed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with the School Committee about asking the public about the override.  Ms. Howard says completing the analysis “keeps the vision and the energy positive.”  Looking towards the future, they “are working on getting all the stakeholders in one room to continue and strengthen the critical need for Override funds to balance the needs of the budget.”

Despite the stress from the town, the School Committee’s determination is unwavering.  Though not on the Committee, Ms. Howard says that it is “our mission and vision to provide a high-quality education in the Winthrop Public Schools.”  Committee member Gus Martucci promises to open the school doors, “no matter what… we’re gonna fight as hard as we can to get the money that we need.”  Mr. Martucci speaks highly of the Winthrop Public Schools District, reassuring, “There’s no better school system out there than ours.  We provide the curriculum instruction and assessments to provide any child to go to any school they want to for further education.  We have great kids, and we have smart kids, and I’m very proud of them.  I think we’re gonna be fine.”