On Saturday, April 5, all three questions listed on the ballot passed overwhelmingly!  The town was approved to build a new firehouse on Pauline Street, starting in 2028, Winthrop Public Schools was granted $3.5 million from the people to contribute to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and an additional $1.45 million to be put in an educational stabilization fund for upcoming school years.  THANK YOU, WINTHROP!

People really, truly care about our schools and students and it showed in our volunteers’ and supporters’ passion and energy.

– Kaitlin Burroughs

The money granted by the override will be strategically planned and incorporated for the FY26 school year budget.  It is still early in the budget planning process, but we know that the money will  be used to maintain the school’s “current excellence.”  Class sizes will be maintained at the average of the low 20s from kindergarten to Grade 8.  There will be continued investments in the current programs that the school offers and the continuation of professional development.  The money will also be invested toward a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for all students which, when implemented, will have the best possible outcomes; this will contribute to mental health and social, emotional, and academic needs for students.  Additionally, the development of the stabilization fund ($1.45 million) will be able to “maximize override funds” as stated in Superintendent Lisa Howard’s slides.  This will also lead to efficient financial management tactics and strategies.  Kaitlin Burroughs of the Yes! For Winthrop’s Kids organization says that the override will give the district “much security to meet unexpected costs moving forward.”

Gratitude and optimism have already poured out of many organizations in Winthrop.  Shannon Kubik, also with Yes! For Winthrop’s Kids feels “relieved… grateful and inspired by the coalition of parents, students, educators and local officials that worked SO hard to reveal what’s really happening in schools across the Commonwealth and why this override was so desperately needed.”  Brian Donnelly, head of the Winthrop Teachers Association, says that “everyone… just has this feeling of relief.  We’re happy that we’re going to be able to continue [giving] a high-quality education to the students of Winthrop.”  Kubik also adds, “I hope we can keep building on the momentum we’ve created with this campaign and continue the important conversations and community engagement… I hope we can keep working together to create those opportunities.”  With the passing of the override, Donnelly says that the district now doesn’t have to be concerned whether or not they will be able to “give the high level education that the WTA and its members do… at Winthrop Public Schools… we couldn’t be more grateful.”