ICYMI: Lexington Special Town Meeting Approves $66 Million Makeover for Middle Schools

LEXINGTON, MA—Lexington Town Meeting members approved a $66 million makeover for Jonas Clarke and William Diamond middle school during Monday's special town meeting.

Town meeting members voted 152 to 2 in favor of the renovations and additions to the middle schools, with four abstaining. The decision will now be sent to voters, who will decide on a debt exclusion during an upcoming debt exclusion election.

The Board of Selectmen unanimously supported the article.

"We are asking town meeting to support a plan to add educational capacity to our two middle schools. Enrollment in these schools has increased from 1,486 in 2009 to 1,646 in October of 2015 and is projected to increase to 1,785 students by 2019. This represents a 20 percent increase in 10 years," Selectwoman Suzanne Barry said at the meeting.

If the debt exclusion is passed, taxes would be allowed to raise above the proposition 2 1/2 limit for the length of the bond. $42 million was approved for the Diamond renovations and approximately $20 million was approved for Clarke.