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Voters reject petition barring district funds for Washington Street School; board stresses learning-center value
Summary
A citizen petition sought to prohibit any Merrimack Valley School District funds for maintenance or renovations at Washington Street School; voters rejected the petition after extensive testimony about building condition, program needs and potential costs and revenue from the Merrimack Valley Learning Center.
A petition asking the district to prohibit any Merrimack Valley School District monies for maintenance, renovations, repairs or improvements to the Washington Street School was defeated after extended public debate.
Petitioner Louise Andrews said the building had long-standing problems including alleged historical condemnations, asbestos and ADA noncompliance. "The Washington Street School many years ago was condemned," she said, and she urged voters not to direct more district money to the building.
Board members and parents countered that the Merrimack Valley Learning Center, a special-education program housed at Washington Street, serves district students and generates tuition revenue from out-of-district placements. Adam Russell and other speakers warned that losing the learning center's capacity would likely force expensive out-of-district placements. Legal counsel and the board noted the petition language contained drafting problems (including a double negative) that made its legal effect unclear.
After debate, the meeting voted the article down. Speakers acknowledged that a careful, itemized facilities plan and transparent cost estimates would help the community evaluate future proposals.
