Opinion: Support New School At Tewksbury Town Meeting

TEWKSBURY, MA — After approving construction of a new school during this month's town election, Tewksbury voters now need to approve an override to pay for the project at town meeting. Town meeting is scheduled for May 6 at 7:30 p.m. The following letter to the editor was submitted by Dennis Francis, Chairman of the Elementary School Building Committee:

To the Voters of Tewksbury:

With the Town Election in the rearview mirror, I want to THANK the voters for supporting the Elementary School Building Project at the Ballot by an overwhelming margin of 2 to 1.

The residents of Tewksbury now have a tremendous responsibility to exercise their right to vote again on this project at Town Meeting, on Monday, May 6, 2019 at Tewksbury High School at 7:30 PM.

The question we each must ask ourselves is simple: “Is this the time to address our elementary school building needs, strengthen the educational landscape for our children and do so when the financial picture is best for us as taxpayers?”

Personally, I will stand in support of this article to construct an educational complex, which will enhance the educational opportunities for our students. The timing is 100% in our financial best interests as taxpayers. This is why. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is supporting this project with 58.7 % of the reimbursable cost. This equates to a $32.7 million grant in support of this project. This is a position that many communities would love to be in. If we do not vote in support of this project at the May 6th Town Meeting, Tewksbury loses the MSBA grant support and the funds will go to another community’s school project. It will take many years to climb back up to where we are today, and our schools need attention now. Some have concerns about the costs, which exist no matter which way we turn. However, the cost of letting this $32.7 million grant slip away, in my opinion, is one we cannot afford.

Ultimately, the choice belongs to all of us. Even if your views are different than mine, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Each voter in Tewksbury must stand and be heard. Please join me on Monday, May 6th at 7:30 PM at Tewksbury High School to share your voice on this important issue.

Sincerely,
Dennis Francis
Chairman of the Elementary School Building Committee, Tewksbury