At Town Election on May 6, we have an important decision to make about the future of our schools and town services. The Tier 2 budget override isn’t about extras, it’s about keeping our schools and community strong.
I grew up in Harvard and moved back here to raise my own family because of the great schools. Like many of you, I want to make sure our kids continue to get the education and support they deserve.
At this year’s budget hearing, held March 24, the schools reported they have already cut over $405,000 from their fiscal 2026 budget request, but rising costs, like legally required salary increases, special education services, and utilities, mean they need our help. The Tier 2 override will fund essential programs, including a literacy curriculum that meets state requirements, a special education teacher to keep students in-district (which actually saves us money), and additional tech support.
If the override doesn’t pass, the schools say they will be nearly $1 million short, which could mean losing teachers, cutting programs, and scaling back critical student support services. If only Tier 1 passes, the schools could still lose 4.5 full-time positions.
For the average Harvard homeowner, the full Tier 2 override will mean about $55 more per month. While that’s manageable for many, there are tax assistance programs available for those who need them. And this override isn’t just about schools—it also supports public safety, infrastructure, and community services we all rely on.
Harvard hasn’t passed a school budget override since 2008, so this isn’t something we do lightly. But now it’s necessary. Let’s make sure our schools and town stay strong. Please vote yes at the Town Election on May 6.
Alissa Weiss
Warren Avenue
