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Preserving Wayland's services in a fiscally responsible manner takes long term planning and diligence.
SOS is here for the long haul and over the years has advocated for many initiatives that decrease costs and increase revenue such as:
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Increasing state aid
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Shifting of town employee pension funds to the state pool to achieve greater returns
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Moving town retirees to Medicare and a bridge health plan that provides comparable coverage at a lesser cost
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Increasing the commercial tax base through the Town Center project
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Creating a DPW to achieve operating efficiencies
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Funding projects creatively (e.g. Turf Field and Pool) through unique public/private partnerships that do not impact the town's budgets.
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In the 1980's when Prop 2 ½ was enacted no one envisioned the double digit growth in health care, utility and pension costs experienced in the last decade. Nor did anyone envision cuts in state aid like those experienced in 2003. These factors have necessitated more overrides in towns across Massachusetts and greater diligence in creating efficiencies than ever before.
In coming months, we will again focus our attention on state issues. Our efforts will include advocating against the ballot question in November to repeal the state income tax. Should this pass, approximately $12 billion in revenue would be lost, devastating our state and our town. If you think overrides are onerous now, think about what would happen to all towns without state aid.
We will continue to advocate for and explore ways to promote operating efficiencies and revenue enhancements in Wayland. Finally, we will monitor the progress and advocate for a state endorsed High School Building project.
Please join us to preserve Wayland's services and stay informed by encouraging your friends to sign up for this SOS Update at www.soswayland.org.
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High School Building Update |
The State Division of Occupational Safety, New England Association of Schools and Colleges and over 70 town residents who have studied the issue on various committees, along with countless teachers, administrators, members of the community and students, agree the High School is in bad shape and in need of a signficant renovation or replacement.
The Mass School Building Authority (MSBA) lifted its moratorium on state funding of school construction last fall. They chose Wayland High School as one of the first 49 to proceed with the Feasibility Study phase of their new process. This represents an invitation to work with the MSBA to explore potential solutions to our identified problems. It does not yet guarantee approval of a project or funding.
Since the first meeting between the MSBA and Wayland in February, the MSBA has given the town the green light to begin the process of selecting an Owner's Project Manager, one of the first steps in moving forward with the feasibility study.
The MSBA is in the process of establishing a new format for vetting and funding state sponsored school building projects. The guidelines clearly indicate that the state will work with the town to determine the single best option for a school building before it is put to a vote by the town.
The state will work with its own outside consultants to determine projected enrollment and based on the enrollment, will determine reimbursable square footage. Reimbursement will be for approximately 40% of approved costs and will be paid to the town as the funds are spent.
There are no guarantees for timing by the state. As of yet no town has progressed through the state's new process from start to finish.
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Wayland's High School Building Committee (HSBC) |
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The High School Building Committee (HSBC) was formed in December, 2003 by the Wayland School Committee with 11 original members and expanded in 2006 to 15 members.
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June 5, 2008
