CITIZEN-LED ADVOCACY GROUP
Investing in our future
Our vision is to create an educational system that serves as a cornerstone of our community’s success and well-being. Every student deserves access to outstanding educational opportunities, carefully chosen resources, and a safe, nurturing learning environment. We want to be a model of inclusivity in education, inspiring lifelong learning and civic engagement. Through strong community support and strategic investment, we will cultivate a generation of well-rounded, empowered individuals prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a 2.5 Override?
Proposition 2 1⁄2 is a Massachusetts state law that limits the amount a city or town can raise property taxes each year. The increase in the total tax levy is capped at 2.5% annually, plus any new growth. However, an Override can allow the community to vote to raise taxes beyond this limit to support necessary expenses.
What is the difference between an
Override and a debt exclusion?
An Override allows for a permanent tax increase to fund ongoing operational costs, like salaries and general expenses. A debt exclusion, on the other hand, temporarily raises taxes to pay off debt from specific capital projects, such as building a new
school. Debt exclusions last only as long as the debt is being repaid and do not permanently raise the tax levy limit.
Who can vote on the Override?
All registered voters in Winthrop are eligible to vote on the Override. The vote is scheduled for November 5, 2024. The deadline to register to vote is October 26, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Voters can register online or visit the Town Clerk’s Office at Winthrop
Town Hall.
What is a structural deficit?
A structural deficit occurs when expenses grow faster than revenues over time, creating a recurring budget shortfall. In Winthrop, this has been an ongoing issue due to rising costs coupled with limited increases in revenue.
How much will the proposed Override increase my taxes?
The proposed Override is $4,950,000, intended to support the operating budget of Winthrop Public Schools for three years (FY26-FY28). This funding will help cover the rising costs of education and maintain essential programs and services.
How do taxes in Winthrop compare to surrounding communities?
The average residential tax bill in Winthrop is generally lower than in many neighboring communities. For specific comparisons, you can visit the Division of Local Services website for detailed information on tax bills across Massachusetts. Additionally, many surrounding communities have, or will have, override votes in their town. Winthrop is not alone in needing to secure additional funding for its schools through taxpayer financing.
How will the funds from the override be used?
The Override funds will be used to maintain current staffing levels, keep class sizes manageable (with an average of 20 students per class in grades K-5), update technology and infrastructure, continue extracurricular programs, and ensure equitable access to quality education in a safe and supportive environment.
What is the size of the proposed
Override?
The proposed Override is $4,950,000, intended to support the operating budget of Winthrop Public Schools for three years (FY26-FY28). This funding will help cover the rising costs of education and maintain essential programs and services.
How many years has it been since the Town of Winthrop had an Override for the schools?
15 years — most Massachusetts towns
pass one every 2-5 years.
What are the consequences if the Override does not pass?
If the Override does not pass, the school district will need to reduce its budget by approximately $3,530,859 from a level service budget for the 2025-2026 school year. This would likely result in significant cuts to staffing, programs, and services,
impacting the quality of education.
What steps has the school district taken to manage its budget before requesting an override?
The school district has taken several steps to manage its budget, including implementing cost-saving measures like administrative cuts, energy-saving initiatives, and seeking alternative funding
through grants and partnerships. Despite these efforts, the rising costs of education, national inflation rates, state mandates, and increased student needs have outpaced available resources, making the override necessary to maintain quality education.
How can the community be
involved in the decision-making
process?
The community can participate by attending public forums and community events, school committee meetings, and reviewing budget reports. Residents will have the opportunity to vote on the Override, giving them a direct voice in the outcome.