Override Aftermath: Glover Supporters Plan Next Steps

Supporters of a new Glover School say they're not giving up, even after a major defeat yesterday when voters rejected an override to fund the $28.8 million project.

"It is disappointing," said School Committee Chairwoman Patricia Blackmer. "We will regroup, consider ways to improve our message and come back to the town, probably in the fall."

The Glover School override lost by 71 votes. It would have raised the average tax bill by $126.55 a year for 20 years for the median home, valued at $512,000.

 "Everybody was talking about it on the playground this morning. People are flabbergasted that it lost," said Jen Nicosia, PTO president at Glover.

"We're disappointed that people don't see this as a town issue," Nicosia said. "Our town needs a new school. We need to draw new families to Marblehead."

Voters rejected all 10 override questions on the ballot, with many people saying times are too tight to raise taxes. 

"People can't pay their bills, there are lots of foreclosures in town," said Lynette Cash, who voted against all the overrides.  "The economy is still bad. The Glover can wait. Everyone makes do. As long as it isn't a fire hazard."

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.

What happens now to the school? "It will look exactly the same in September as it does now," said Nicosia. "We've done all we can do for now."

Blackmer agrees that there are no more Band-Aid fixes for Glover.  And with yesterday's no vote, the town has lost a 40% reimbursement promised by the state. Reimbursement rates have already dropped to about 33%.  Still, Blackmer said she'll keep pushing for a new school.

"Doing nothing is not an option," she said.

Reaction to the override defeat was swift and sometimes angry.

"I firmly believe that all citizens, regardless of whether they have children currently in public schools, have an obligation to the future generations to keep the schools up to date and safe," said Lisa Turner Ruggiero.

"The condition of the Glover School has been horrid for many years and we owe it to 'our village' to take care of where 'our' children are educated," she added.

"I'm not a Glover parent, but I am a parent and I voted for all the school related overrides," said Lauren Fogle Boyd. "I am pretty upset, not just for Glover families, but for the whole town."

Also rejected yesterday, a $450,000 override to fund technology improvements at the Village School. Principal Mike Hanna hoped to invest in new computers and interactive white boards in classrooms. He said now the school will have to rely on PTO donations and make smaller improvements.