The proposition 2 1/2 override passed with 57% of the vote in Upton.
At approximately 8:10 p.m. the town released the results of today’s election. The number of voters was “historical” in the sense that 1,776 voters participated in today’s election with 1,051 in favor of the override and 761 against. The margin sends a clear message to the Mendon Upton School Committee that Upton wants their schools funded.
The school committee will meet on Thursday to re certify the school budget. Member Phil Dezutter had advised residents a strong yes vote gives the school committee the needed support to continue to push for the increased funding for the schools. The re-certified budget will be sent back to Mendon to either come up with the money or send it to the people for another override request.
UPTON DAILY 
Great job Upton showing support for education! It’s now up to Mendon to find the money somewhere. Too bad we didn’t approve the override, because now it’s time to have the discussion about what town services need to be cut. .This should be fun. Thanks to everyone who put us in this spot by voting “no”!
From Rich Schofield’s flow chart, I believe that if the SC recertifies a budget that is greater than level funded (one that is level service most likely), the BOS will call another town meeting to attempt getting another override on the table at the lesser amount. If that happens, and passes, it will not impact town services. There are more steps beyond a 2nd failed override before town services get impacted…..if I followed the flow chart correctly 🙂
But will Mendon voters support an override for level services for the schools? People asked for MURSD to have a “plan” several years ago because there was a perception that the schools were just spending money willy-nilley. MURSD came up with one and then asked for money to support the strategic plan (and to maintain level services), and Mendon voters said “no”.
So it makes me think that Mendon didn’t really want a plan of any kind, but the lack of one was just a smoke screen to hide behind lack of support for education.
Hopefully the voters will see beyond all the anti-school crap that one loudmouth keeps throwing up there and will support MURSD.
No idea what will happen. Supposedly many no voters were out to “send a message” about spending and knew that this exact thing would happen. Maybe all of those people who “pledged” to support the override will actually get off their couch this time? Maybe some of those no votes were waiting for the reduced number to come through. It’s anybody’s guess.