Our Schools
Reader Survey: What's next for Beecher Road School?
Following the October referendum, the Chronicle invites readers to share their views on the proposal and help set priorities for future reporting
Our Schools
Government
After Beecher referendum defeat, building committee considers revising proposal and trying again
Educators describe unexpected opposition and students cheering the defeat as questions remain over who will direct next steps of planning
Our Schools
Board Watch: Amity eyes $35M referendum, WBOE revisits Beecher priorities, Housing Commission seeks larger role
Proposed school improvements, student services, and housing development highlight three meetings all held on October 19
Elections
Voters rejects $118.5 million Beecher proposal by nearly 2-to-1 margin with 2,766 ballots cast
Turnout among the highest in decades; earlier referendums reveal a history of consequential votes on schools, spending, and town property
Government
Beecher project Special Town Meeting reveals new details about costs, state grants, and alternatives
Residents question the $118.5 million proposal’s financial assumptions, cost of maintaining the existing school, enrollment projections, and consequences of rejecting the plan
Government
As Beecher vote approaches, questions remain about project cost, enrollment, and scope
Tuesday’s Special Town Meeting offers a final opportunity for public discussion before Oct. 13 referendum on the $118.5 million project as proposed
Community Voice
Proposed replacement for the Beecher Road School project
A local architect outlines an alternative to the proposed $118.5 million plan that would retain much of the existing school while replacing only the South portion
Government
Board Watch: Charter Commission splits 4–3 on key votes, Building Committee plans final referendum outreach
Charter votes track Commission appointment divide; Beecher committee considers final voter mailing, cost messaging and remaining community outreach
Our Schools
Amity and Beecher boards prepare for new school year as enrollment, finances and capital needs come into focus
Beecher board authorizes an additional teaching position if enrollment warrants it, while Amity weighs reserves, special-education growth and future capital projects
Our Schools
Beecher’s new $45–$60 million question: What needs fixing now — and what is regular lifecycle replacement?
Town says maintaining the existing school will cost $45–$60 million over 20 years, but its latest newsletter does not distinguish current needs from future lifecycle replacement of systems installed during the last renovation
Government
Board Watch: Housing, Beecher Building Committee, Economic Development hold late-summer meetings
Housing planning turns toward public outreach and a call for input, Beecher committee maps the road to Oct. 13 referendum, and EDC advances fall priorities
Our Schools
Beecher Road School Building Committee reviews next project newsletter at special meeting
Online-only meeting focused on communications as committee prepares new phase of public outreach materials