BROOKLINE OVERRIDE CAMPAIGN: KICKOFF MEETING

Sun., 3/29, 2-4pm @ TBD

On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, Brookline's Board of selectmen voted unanimously to put two "override" questions on the May 5th local election ballot that will have a critical impact on the Pierce community and Brookline's schools in general. The ballot questions will call for voters to approve or disapprove property tax increases designed to fund a $7.665 million operating budget "override" and a $49.876 million "debt exclusion." 

In announcing the ballot questions, the selectmen expressed a desire to balance adequate funding to sustain excellence in our school system and sensitivity to the demands on the town's taxpayers. The approved numbers are lower than many school advocates requested - particularly in light of the dramatic increases in school enrollment and associated overcrowding - but approval of the additional funds would still provide a significant boost to the schools and help address critical needs and structural deficits in key areas of teaching and learning.

A pro-override Yes! for Brookline campaign has been launched. There will also likely be an organized "No" campaign, so there will be considerable work to do in the months ahead. Yes! Brookline will be setting up a website where folks can sign up to be involved in the campaign. Please join our kickoff event! Information on the override is available at www.brooklineoverride.com and you can contact Pierce parents and town meeting members Brian Hochleutner (briahochleutner@gmail.com), Mariah Nobrega (mariah.nobrega@gmail.com), and Naomi Sweitzer (justicedoit@yahoo.com) with questions or if you want more information or are interested in getting involved.

_______________________________________