On behalf of the Harvard Special Education Parent Advisory Council, we are writing to express our full support of the second tier Proposition 2½ override in the amount of $792,964 that residents will vote on at the upcoming Town Meeting and Town Election. This tier includes funding for two new and vital positions at the schools.
A new special education teacher would be hired to create a program at the Bromfield School dedicated to meeting the social and emotional needs of students who might otherwise be sent out of the district. These students are facing significant learning challenges at a pivotal time in their transition to adulthood. Supporting them appropriately in their home district means they maintain their academic and social ties without disruption and can continue making positive contributions to our community. The alternative, considering the recent 14% increase in many out-of-district tuitions, is placements that could easily become far more costly to the town than hiring an additional teacher.
The second tier override amount would also allow the schools to hire a full-time athletic director. This resource would benefit all students by ensuring greater equity and Title IX compliance in our district. A full-time athletic director is needed to set a consistent bar across all sports and to celebrate and fully support the diverse interests and abilities of all Harvard students.
One of the main reasons families with school-aged children move to Harvard is the quality of our schools, and all residents benefit from greater property values as a result. Please vote “yes” to the tier 2 override at Town Meeting April 6 and at Town Election on April 9 to support the students of the Harvard public schools.
Aspen Ference and Jenny Gillard
Harvard SEPAC co-chairs
