Glover School Supporters Make Pitch For Fall Override

Supporters of a new Glover School will make their case to town leaders Wednesday night, asking for a new override vote soon to fund the $28.8 million project.

In a recent letter, the Massachusetts School Building Authority said it is still committed  to reimbursing the town 40% of the project's cost. But there is a time limit.

 "If the Town fails to approve the Glover School project in the fall of 2010, the MSBA may need to remove the Glover School project from the Capital Pipeline in order to make funds available for other projects," said Mary Pichetti with the MSBA. If that happens, Marblehead would have to re-apply for funds, and would most likely see its reimbursement drop to around 31%.

Members of the Glover Building Committee will ask the Board of Selectmen to schedule a Town Meeting and override vote in the next few months, in hopes of getting an override passed.  A similar question failed (by 71 votes) in June, along with nine other proposed tax hikes.

That Glover override would have increased the average property tax bill by $126.55 a year for 20 years. That is for the median home, valued at $512,000.

 "We recognize that it's not easy to go back to the voters after the last override," said Patricia Blackmer, chair of the Glover Building Committee.

"But it would be irresponsible if we didn't make it clear that  now is the time we can maximize the reimbursement and minimize the costs" of a new school, she said.

Glover supporters say they'll make a more compelling argument to town voters about the need for a new school and involve families from around Marblehead. They're also looking at ways to minimize costs.

The Glover's main building opened in 1916 and its walls and doors are cracked. The school's heating and ventilation systems are so old replacement parts are not available. Also, classrooms are too small by state standards.