Last year’s prediction by the Finance Committee of a large override to fund Harvard’s needs has come true. They also predicted that annual overrides would be recommended for some years to come unless we receive substantial state reimbursements, especially Chapter 70 funds, for our schools. Since 2002, the marked reduction in Chapter 70 funds has demanded overrides, but these have been insufficient to maintain our schools. The limited funds have resulted in yearly reduction in school programs so that now we see that class sizes in some core subjects have more students than the administrators and School Committee have set as “limits.” Parents contribute about $100,000 to run athletic and after-school programs. Parents and townspeople—through the PTA and Harvard Schools Trust and other organizations—contribute about $100,000 that now fund necessities such as textbooks and improved technology to keep our schools running. Such funding is inequitable and is a questionable sustainable funding source. Annual overrides injure those retired on fixed incomes and those employed in work that does not pay for annual large increases in property taxes. Expendable income choices are increasingly limited.
Harvard is able to pursue full restitution of its jurisdictional two square miles on Devens. Independent industrial and commercial real estate professionals estimate $1,000,000 in tax returns are there. Business management fails when it does not pursue opportunities, using the excuse there may be a risk and not evaluating the greater risk of following its old course. We have the opportunity to craft a new vision for our future and develop plans for accomplishment. Let us band together to pursue a brighter future.
Jeffrey Harris
Whiney Road
