South Hadley voters approve school funding, town office changes

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - South Hadley voters Tuesday approved a debt exclusion that will fund construction of a new elementary school, and bring changes to  town hall.

There were only two questions on the South Hadley Special Town Election  ballot.

Question One allows for a 28 million dollar debt exclusion to build a new Plains Elementary School, that will serve children from pre-kindergarten through second grade.  The question was approved by an almost two-to-one margin.

Question 1: Yes 1364.  NO 720.

Question Two's vote was much closer, but voters approved  changing Town Clerk, Town Treasurer and Town Tax Collector from elected positions to positions appointed by the Town Administrator with the approval of the Select Board.  Question Two approval also separates the positions of Town Clerk and Town Treasurer.

Question 2: YES 1054.  NO 967.

Voter turn out was just over 19 percent.


South Hadley School Committee member Ed Boisselle told 22News that the Plains School will enter the final design stage, with ground to be broken next year.  Boisselle said the school should be completed in 2015.