The Somerville Board of Education is encouraging residents to learn about how the March 11th bond referendum would ensure the district's academic, athletic, and performing arts spaces, and match the high standards and reputation of Somerville Public Schools. The district has launched a section of its website (somervilleschools.org/page/vote) to engage and inform the community leading up to the vote.
Community approval of the two questions on March 11th would bring to Somerville Public Schools approximately $7.3 million in state aid to help offset the $44 million in project costs. The projects include:
Question #1 - Net tax decrease of $12 per month on average over the length of the new debt for a home assessed at Somerville’s average assessed value. *The net decrease is due to the district retiring current debt.*
Somerville High School’s auditorium and four science labs on the third floor of the 1970’s wing would be fully renovated to match our high-caliber academics and achievements of our students.
Somerville Middle School would be updated to ensure the building is safe, comfortable, and energy efficient, including:
new security vestibule and ADA entrance lift;
partial replacement of limited roof sections; and
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements in the auditorium and gymnasium to provide year-round-comfort and better ventilation.
Van Derveer Elementary would benefit from enhanced safety and athletic upgrades including:
new security vestibule;
new steel storage building to house athletic equipment and facilities storage;
new multipurpose room; and
new multi-sport turf field.
Question #2 – Net tax increase of $14 per month on average over the length of the new debt for a home assessed at Somerville’s average assessed.
A 24,000-square-foot athletics building at Somerville High School to benefit the entire community, featuring:
new full-size gymnasium;
new athletic training facility;
team locker room and weight room;
concession stand; and
new Somerville Athletic Hall of Fame.
“Somerville Public Schools has a reputation for setting and maintaining high standards in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars - it's why so many residents choose to live in Somerville,” said Superintendent Gary Lubisco, Jr. “The Board of Education and I know that to continue this tradition, we need to invest in the district’s three school buildings through a referendum that allows us to access state aid.”
Please note: Question #2 can only pass if Question #1 passes on the ballot. This ensures that the district’s main focus, i.e., quality educational spaces for students, continues to be the top priority for investment.
“We’ve timed this referendum to coincide with the payoff of debt from previous referendums and are providing options for the community through two questions,” Lubisco said. “This reflects the Board of Education’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and helps ensure Somerville residents benefit from the maximum amount of state aid that can only be accessed through voter approval of a referendum.”
Somerville residents who want to learn more about the referendum can attend a forum on Wednesday, Feb. 19th at 7 p.m. at Somerville High School’s Media Center. Members of the public will be able to ask questions of the architects, financial advisors, district administration, board members, and others who helped guide the plans for the March 11th referendum.
Everyone is also encouraged to continue visiting somervilleschools.org/page/vote. The site includes more details about the tax impact, how and where to vote, and a FAQs section. Questions can also be emailed to vote@somervilleschools.org.