Save Our Stoneham Proposition 2½ campaign logo

VOTE YES on the Proposition 2½ Override

What We Do

SOS is committed to advocating for the only sustainable solution to the budget shortfall — the passage of a Proposition 2½ override.

Save Our Stoneham (SOS) empowers residents to VOTE YES on the Proposition 2½ override. VOTE YES to support those who support us.


What's At Stake

Fire Department

  • SFD has between 5 and 8 fewer firefighters than most similar neighboring communities
  • Last staffing increase was in 2018
  • Needs at least 2 more firefighters per shift to maintain safety standards
  • Only area department without a Deputy Fire Chief
  • Budget is at least $1 million lower than comparable nearby towns

Police Department

  • SPD has as many as 10 fewer police officers than similar towns
  • Only has 1 overnight dispatcher—"a safety issue"
  • One of few area departments without a Deputy Police Chief
  • Needs 2 new police vehicles to keep its fleet up to date
  • Needs to replace body armor for officers

Schools

  • SPS is facing a deficit of $4.5 million that will impact all students
  • Elimination of at least 23 classroom teachers (including core content area teachers)
  • 40% reduction of high school athletics
  • Reductions to special education, ELL, world languages, and the arts
  • Possible switch from full- to half-day Kindergarten to save money

Public Works

  • DPW is substantially understaffed—it has at least 30 fewer staff than nearby towns with similar population sizes and road miles
  • Typical DPW crews have 5 people, Stoneham's crews have 3 people
  • 8 of its trucks are more than 10 years old, many are in disrepair, and 5 trucks are fully out of service
  • Needs at least 3 new construction vehicles
Join Save Our Stoneham and show our first responders, teachers, and public works department that Stoneham supports them. VOTE YES

Upcoming Events

March 15th
Canvassing
Location TBD at 10:00 AM, cover precincts 6 & 7
March 20th at 6:30 PM
School Committee Meeting
March 22nd
Canvassing
Location & Time TBD, cover precincts 4 & 5
March 25th at 6:30 PM
Select Board Meeting
March 30th
Canvassing
Location & Time TBD, cover precincts 1 & 2
April 1st
VOTE YES on the Proposition 2½ Override