Glover School Override Brings Out Voters

Supporters of the $28.8 million Glover School project say they are cautiously optimistic that today's override will pass and plans to build a new school can move forward.

At polling locations this afternoon, voters were split over the tax hike.

Bob and Ann Wright supported the Glover override, as well as a $450,000 override to fund new technology at the Village School. "Education is absolutely important," said Bob Wright.

The state has agreed to reimburse the town 40% of the Glover project's price tag. The override would increase the average property tax bill by $126.55 a year for 20 years. That is for the median home, valued at $512,000.

The Village School technology fund, meanwhile, would add  $9.96 a year to the average tax bill.

Drew Lemieux came to vote with her young son in tow. "I voted for the Glover override for the kids," she said. "And with the reimbursement from the state, this is the time. If we don't do it now, when will we?"

Not now, many voters said.

"Now is not the time," said Gregory Barnes. "I love the Glover School. I live right behind it and I know some of the teachers. But with the economy like it is, a tax increase is not a good thing."

 Stan Hackney said he would have voted for the school overrides, except "everyone is broke right now," he said. "It's not the time to raise taxes."

The Glover School's main building opened in 1916. Walls and doors are cracked. The school's heating and ventilation systems are so old replacement parts aren't available anymore. Classrooms are too small, according to state standards. The schools two buildings are not handicapped accessible.

If today's override passes, School Committee Chairwoman Patricia Blackmer said meetings will begin right away with the state, architect and project manager. The new school -- built in the same location -- would hold 425 students in kindergarten through grade three who currently attend the Glover and Eveleth Schools. It would open in September 2013.

And if it fails?  "If Question 9 fails, we will likely try to determine why. What do we need to do to gain support?" Blackmer asked.

There are no Band-Aid fixes for the current Glover School, she said. The town would have to ask the state for help again, and future reimbursements would likely be much lower, she added.