Norton Teachers Association releases statement after community meeting on budget

NORTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Norton Teachers Association released a statement after a town meeting laying out budget proposals for fiscal year 2025.

Association President Joe Spremulli thanked the community for coming out to the meeting to support the town’s educators.

The meeting laid out three budget proposals, some of which would have effects on the town’s police and fire departments, as well as Norton schools.

The first option is a base budget that would increase the current budget by one percent, raising property taxes by 2.5% for residents.

The second option is a $4 million override budget, which would raise the current budget by $4 million.

Lastly, a $6.5 million override budget that would raise the current budget by $6.5 million.

The last two options would increase taxes by more than 2.5%.

All three proposals passed during the meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer O’Neill said during the meeting that she supports the highest budget and is asking residents to do the same.

The full statement from Spremulli can be read below:

We’re incredibly grateful to the Norton community that showed up in full force Tuesday night and decisively voted ‘Yes’ on two override budgets at Town Meeting. Last night’s vote was a clear message that our community supports our educators, police officers, and firefighters.

In the coming days and weeks, Norton educators and our community allies – alongside Norton parents and families – will press ahead and continue our campaign to ensure that all residents are informed of the next election date and why we support the need for a fully funded budget that allows all Norton students to have the education that they deserve.