For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 27, 2019

Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Easton Superintendent Lisha Cabral Provides Update on Early Elementary School Project

EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral would like to provide an update for parents and residents on the latest news and information regarding the Early Elementary School Project.

On Monday, Sept. 23, a presentation was shown to residents announcing the updated estimated project budget, the reimbursement rate from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and a tax impact analysis.

To view a slideshow of the presentation click here.

A tax calculator has been added to the Town of Easton website for residents to see the estimated tax impact from the proposed debt exclusion vote on Nov. 5.

The estimated cost of the project will be $94.84 million. The MSBA is projected to pay $36 million of the cost, while the Town will pay the remaining $59 million over a period of 30 years.

If the project is not approved by residents, the estimated base cost of repairing the district’s three aging elementary schools – Moreau Hall, Center School and Parkview School – would be over $86 million, with the Town bearing the total cost.

“We want to make sure that all Easton voters and parents have a full understanding of the details of the project, including what it would mean to approve this project and what it would mean to vote down the project,” Superintendent Cabral said. “We hope to see a large turnout for the upcoming community forums so that voters can learn more about the project and voice their opinions.”

To view a video of the current conditions at Moreau Hall, Parkview School and Center School click here.

Upcoming Community Forums

There will be community forums held on Oct. 7 and Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Simmons Lecture Hall, Oliver Ames High School, 100 Lothrop St.

Project designers will discuss the most up-to-date design suggestions, take feedback and answer questions from residents. Information about the costs and MSBA grant reimbursement will also be presented.

Special Town Meeting and Election Dates and Information

Voters should be aware that there are TWO important voting dates regarding this project – the Special Town Meeting on Oct. 28 and the Special Election on Nov. 5.

Local approval of funding for the EES Project is a two-step process in which BOTH  votes must be approved by the voters of Easton in order for the project
to continue.

• If either Town Meeting or Election vote is
  negative the project cannot proceed.
• If both Town Meeting and Election vote is
  positive the project will proceed.

The last day to register to vote at the Special Town Election will be on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. The last day to register to vote at the Special Town Meeting will be on Friday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. To register online and for more Easton voter information click here.

• Special Town Meeting – Debt Exclusion – Monday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., at Stonehill College, Ames Sports Complex, 320 Washington St., Easton – Residents will vote on whether or not to appropriate and authorize the borrowing of funds for the local share of the project funding.
• Special Town Election – Debt Exclusion – Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Oliver Ames High School Gymnasium, 100 Lothrop St. – Residents will vote whether to approve funding for the Easton Early Elementary School Project, via debt exclusion override. All voters are to vote at the single polling location at OAHS. To look up your precinct information, click here. To view a sample ballot, click here.

For complete information about the Easton Early Elementary School Project visit the project website: www.eastoneesproject.com.

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