We welcomed news this week that the School Committee might use some of the money it receives each year to educate Devens students to help pay for the construction of a new elementary school, should voters approve that project at Annual Town Meeting. As reported in this issue, some residents have already experienced large property tax increases this year, and the prospect of a further increase to pay for a new school will be hard for them to swallow.
The use of Devens money is one of several measures town officials are considering. The selectmen and members of the school, finance, and capital boards have promised a plan that would soften the effect of the school loan on taxpayers, especially during its first four years when its impact would be greatest. If advocates hope to win the approval of two-thirds of Town Meeting voters and a majority at Town Election, such a plan is essential. And so is the schools’ willingness to help.
