Saturday is Decision Day on New High School

Which side will be victorious remains unknown, but one thing is for sure. The fate of a new Wilmington High School will be known by Saturday’s end.

After the plan , it must now gain a two-thirds majority at Saturday’s Special Town Meeting, which is set for 10:30 a.m. in the current high school gym.

Town Manager Michael Caira said he expects a crowd similar to the Town Meeting that blocked a potential library project in 2005. That year there were more than 1,100 taxpayers in attendance.

Caira said in recent days some residents have questioned why they are asked to vote twice on the school.

“People are learning that their job is not done (after Tuesday’s election),” said Caira. “There is an expected measure of confusion because though this is the process that is called for, it is not one people are familiar with. Most folks think, ‘I already voted for this, why do we have to do it again?’ They’re now being educated that this is the way the statute calls for this type of vote to take place.”

Though Article 1 is the item asking residents to approve funding for the $82 million project, it may not be the first issue discussed at Town Meeting. Following town bylaws, the six articles on the agenda will be pulled from a hat to decide what order they will be addressed.

Any voter wishing to speak at the meeting can step to the microphone, where Moderator Jim Stewart will call on them.

Caira said he knows there will be strong opinions voiced on the subject, but added that he is confident Stewart will maintain order throughout.

“His job is critical. It’s the single most important position at Town Meeting,” said Caira. “He needs to exercise good judgment and control of the meeting to ensure fairness. It’s not always easy on any issue, let alone one that can be contentious. He’s been doing the job and doing it well since 1991, so what people can expect is a well-run meeting.”