What matters now is what happens next
Stoneham's Urgent Budget Shortfall
On April 1, 2025 Stoneham residents did not pass an initial $14.6m override of Proposition 2½ to address the town's substantial budget shortfall.
The voters spoke: a $14.6m override was too much, but we know $0 is too little.
A lower Proposition 2½ override before July 1 can still make a big difference for next year. Without an override, Stoneham will be forced to make devastating cuts to our public schools, reduce funding for the library, recreation department, and senior center by up to 35%, and remain unable to address staffing shortages in public safety and public works.
The original $14.6m amount was about growing the town and planning for the future, but a lower amount keeps our departments open and functioning now.
Town and State budget laws means the clock is ticking. The Select Board needs to hear from you today. Especially if you didn't vote or voted No initially, but would support a lower override amount.
What's At Stake
There are services across town departments that Stoneham must provide to residents by law or face losing certifications and accreditations. Without a Proposition 2½ override, the town will need to shift funds to pay for legally-mandated services next year at the expense of others.
Library, Senior Center, and Recreation Department
- Possible reduction of these not-legally-mandated departments' budgets by at least 35%
- Risk of library losing state certification
Schools
- SPS is facing a deficit of $4.5 million that will impact all students
- Elimination of at least 23 classroom teachers, staff, and administrators, likely more, including teachers of science, social studies, and world languages
- 40% reduction of high school athletics, increased participation fees
- Reductions to special education, ELL, and the arts
- Possibility of falling out of compliance with IEPs
- Risk of high school graduates not meeting requirements to attend 4-year colleges
Public Safety
- Staffing does not meet safety standards: SFD has up to 8 fewer firefighters, and SPD up to 10 few officers, than most similar neighboring communities
- SFD's budget is at least $1 million lower than comparable nearby towns
- SPD needs 2 new vehicles to keep its fleet up to date and needs to replace officer body armor
- Stoneham is the only town without a Deputy Fire Chief or a Deputy Police Chief
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
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About Save our Stoneham
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 a Proposition 2½ override. VOTE YES to support those who support us.
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