Newton Override News - Cabot School PTO Newton, MA

Useful Newton Override-related links

MoveNewtonForward.org (pro-override)
Newton for Fiscal Responsibility (anti-override)
Frequently Asked Questions about the override
What is proposition 2 1/2?
The PTO Council has compiled a list of helpful information
on the override. For more information go to www.newtonptocouncil.org/override-2008.html
Note: thanks to our friends at Day PTO who compiled the links

Where are we in the process now?

After much debate on March 17th, the Newton Board of Aldermen voted to put the question of an override to ballot. The aldermen voted (20-3) to put a $12 million operating override on the ballot for vote on May 20th. They voted against putting a Newton North debt exclusion on the ballot, 14-9. The Brandel/Sangiolo attempt to lower the override amount to $9.1 million was also defeated by a vote of 12-10.

Since the defeat of the override would have negative effects on the Cabot School community including the loss of several faculty and support staff members, the Cabot School PTO is in support of the override.

How can you support the override?

As we prepare for the vote, it's important that members of the Cabot School community inform themselves about what this override means to Cabot school, Newton schools, and Newton-wide community services.

Even at this stage, it's important that the Board of Aldermen learn your views about the override. If you want to express your support (or not), just send a quick email with your thoughts to the Board's Clerk, David Olson and he will forward it to the full Board of Aldermen. His e-mail is: dolson@newtonma.gov.

Newton Override-related posts

Newton PTO Council, School Foundation and Special Ed Council Endorse "Yes" Vote to Protect Newton Schools (04.14.08)
Override set at $12m, vote to occur on May 20th (03.24.08)

After months of public debate, the official Newton override line has now been drawn: $12 million dollars. The vote, which will be the only one on the ballot, will occur on Tuesday, May 20th. You can read about the details from the Boston Globe.

Letters to Newton officials (03.24.08)

Want to reach out to Newton officials but don't know what to write about? Here are two letters written by Cabot parents -- one about 5 reasons why the override should pass, and one requesting consideration of the proposed elimination of the Cabot School social worker position. You are more than welcome to copy any or all parts of these letters for your own use.

Move Newton Forward launched, co-chaired by Sarah Ecker (03.24.08)
Efforts to rally support for the override are being spearheaded by a group of 3 Newton residents, including Cabot School community member Sarah Ecker. You can read about the group's efforts in a January letter they wrote to the Newton TAB.