Glover School Supporters Want New Vote

Down but not out, supporters of a new Glover School plotted strategy Wednesday night, hoping to put another override vote before residents this fall.

The town has 10 days to write a letter to the Massachusetts School Building Association, explaining why Tuesday's override failed and why voters might soon have a change of heart and support the $28.8 million project.

The Glover School Building Committee -- including parents, teachers and school leaders -- blamed the loss on the large number of overrides (10) on the ballot. Voters became overwhelmed and voted no on everything, they speculated.

The Glover override lost by the smallest margin of any question, just 71 votes. It would have hiked the average tax bill by $126.55 a year for 20 years, for the median home valued at $512,000. Many voters said they simply couldn't afford higher taxes.

"People don't understand what's at stake," said teacher Fran Sheridan. "And they don't trust that the state will actually come through with its reimbursement."

The state had guaranteed to cover 40% of the new building's cost, and that still stands, said project manager Chuck Adam. But, if the town can't convince the MSBA that a positive override vote is likely, or if it takes too long, Marblehead will lose its place in line for any funding.

"People didn't have enough information." said member Bob Schaeffner. "What happens now when the school's boiler breaks, or something else? Do people realize it's going to keep costing?"

Glover Principal Mary Devlin said town leaders need to unite and support a new Glover with one voice. Project supporters will appear before the School Committee tonight and meet with the Board of Selectmen soon.

Devlin  suggested asking families to host teas and coffees, inviting voters into their homes to convince them of the dire need for a new Glover. She called on Superintendent Paul Dulac to be more vocal too.

"We need to reach out to people, to other principals and PTOs to garner support," she said.

The Glover committee acknowledged that it needed to make its case more clearly and forcefully before another vote.

"Let's use bullet points," said Sheridan. "That we have a 40% reimbursement but could lose it, that it's cheaper to build a new school than fix up this one, that all we need is 71 more votes."

Members also agreed to look at possible cost savings, such as abandoning proposed modular classrooms at the Eveleth School. That move would shave $600,000 off the price tag.

To get the Glover override on a ballot again, the Board of Selectmen must call a Town Meeting and then schedule a special election.

The Glover School'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 aren't even available anymore. Classrooms are too small by state standards. The school's two buildings are not handicapped accessible.

 The Glover School Building Committee meets again Tuesday, June 22 at 7 p.m.