Pros and cons of Nahant override produce similar themes

NAHANT – Both opponents and proponents interviewed on the proposed $260,000 override for Johnson School said they want a strong education for Nahant students. But the essential difference between the sides was whether that education re-quires the override.”I believe that every citizen, especially me, wants a good education for our children,” said override opponent Linda Tanfani. “I don’t think that getting this money from the taxpayers is the way to go. It’s a temporary solution, and we need a permanent solution. The model of what we have is too top heavy.””I want my kids to have music, art, gym and toilet paper,” said Yes for Nahant co-organizer and parent Roxanne Schena, listing some of the programs and supplies eliminated in next year’s budget without the override funds. “I think that every child in every other school has it and Nahant children should too.”School officials proposed a $260,000 override to fill a budget shortfall due to a $113,000 reduction in state and federal funds coupled with a dramatic increase in special-education costs. The proposal will add approximately $189 or $3.50 per week to the average tax bill, according to numbers from Town Accountant Deborah Waters and based on a median home valuation of $540,000.In order to be enacted, the override had to pass both the Town Election and Town Meeting. Town Meeting passed the measure, 184 to 43. The ballot question was defeated by 52 votes, however, 417 to 365. Citing confusion over the fact that both votes occurred on April 30, selectmen voted at their May 5 meeting for a special election on June 25 to reconsider the override.Interviews with both proponents and opponents revealed a very nuanced and complicated issue, but similar themes emerged from both sides.Proponents repeatedly emphasized that override was necessary for the quality of education at Johnson School and the quality of the community.”It’s about taking care of kids because that, in turn, takes care of the community,” said Yes for Nahant co-organizer MaryJo Mitchell Angersbach. “And we have a great community.”Proponents also cited the connection between property values and quality school systems.”We bought here because the school system is good,” said another Yes for Nahant organizer, Pan Manadee. “It’s disconcerting with the school so small and that it’s made so much progress. If the override doesn’t pass, it will be a huge setback for the school.”Opponents, however, cited two reasons they planned to vote no on June 25: the belief that the costs are too expensive and will not fix what they see as long-term problems in the school including too much – and too expensive – administrative staff and a general trend of declining enrollments; and the re-vote.A veteran special-education teacher in Somerville, Joanne Dunn said that she understands and sympathizes with the problem of increased special-education costs. “I definitely sympathize; we have declining enrollment, declining (state) money,” she said. “But we voted. To come back with the exact same proposal? I think we need to start thinking creatively to satisfy the options the state has presented.”Opponent Molly Conlin agreed.”Why can’t we get an administrator with special-ed qualifications?” she asked. “I think there’s a better way to set up the system that haven’t been explored.”Both Conlin and Dunn said that their resolve was strengthened by the selectmen’s vote to hold a special election.”This was the same format that every override vote in the past has had, and it lost in the ballot vote,” said Dunn. “For two of our selectmen to throw away the votes of the electorate – that’s a spoiled-child reaction. You don’t ask daddy when mommy says no.””I did have mixed feelings when the vote lost in the ballot, because I always supported the schools and the kids in town,” said Conlin. “But I had a real problem with the selectmen discarding the vote.”Proponents also said they were galvanized by the special election, however.”I felt like the last time aro