FIRST WAVE
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Early voting is underway in the town’s spring election where voters are deciding Marblehead’s first-ever three-tiered override, which could reshape municipal government for decades to come.
Early voting is available at Abbot Hall Wednesday, June 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Thursday, June 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. On June 9, residents may
Green thumbs
1
Early voting is underway for Marblehead’s historic, three-tiered tax override. Pages 1-5
cast their votes 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at either Abbot Hall or the high school field house, depending on what precinct they live in. You can find your precinct at WhereDoIVoteMA.com.
Facing a $7.7 million deficit, the town in May approved a $123 million budget with deep cuts to Abbot Library, public schools, the Council on Aging and more.
Questions 1-3 on the ballot give voters a choice between a
2 Voters are also deciding new leaders for the Select Board, School Committee and more. Page 7.
3 Mr. Modica goes to Beacon Hill. Town Meeting’s viral speaker brings his message to the State House. Page 7.
$9 million, $12 million and $15 million property tax increase. Question 1 partially restores budget cuts, Question 2 builds back certain programs and Question 3 invests in capital projects. Read more about what services are funded in each tier on page 2.
If any of them pass, it will be the first time Marblehead has approved a general (permanent) tax increase in more than 20 years.
Question 4, at $2.3 million, would re-include the cost of trash collection in the property tax base. If it fails, the town will assess a $290 per household trash fee.
As for the impact on tax bills, the town has released an override calculator residents can use. It can be found at marbleheadma.gov/override/. Additionally, citizens groups have released their own calculators.
BY KRIS OLSON
By now, you likely have seen them on lawns throughout town: the anti-override group Better Way Marblehead’s signs, which read “$7,500+ Per Home Every 3 Years, Forever!”
Some residents may have wondered, “Is that true?”
Here’s our assessment.
WHAT THE SIGN GETS RIGHT:
Yays and nays
Citizens groups have lobbied for and against the overrides. For Marblehead encourages people to support questions 1,2 and 3. Better Way Marblehead wants people to reject 1-3 and support Question 4, saying that some of that money can be re-allocated away from trash collection to fund the government. Local attorney Carl Goodman has
TRASH TALK
New trash, recycling carts start to arrive
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Sixteen thousand new trash and recycling carts were set to be delivered to homes and some businesses across Marblehead beginning this week. Residents will not be charged separately for the new carts.
“Trash and recycling will only be collected from town-issued barrels/carts beginning July 1,”
Health Director Andrew Petty wrote in an email to the Current. “Items outside of barrels will not be collected. A copy of the curbside collection regulations are posted online, and a copy will be delivered to you with your new barrels along with other directions for proper curbside putout.”
The overrides the town will be voting on June 9 are, in fact, “forever.” They are general overrides that remain part of the tax rate rather than exclusions that drop off the tax levy when the bonds issued to finance a particular project are paid off. Over time, homeowners may acclimate to the new higher levy limit, which would return to increasing by no more than 2.5% annually unless voters again override Proposition 2 1/2. But this year’s override would still be part of how the town assesses property taxes.
WHAT’S MISSING: Perhaps no lawn sign can be expected to capture every nuance of a particular issue. But even with that caveat, the signs lack
The regulations can be found at https://loom. ly/uRQHB34.
Each cart will be printed with a serial number and assigned to the property rather than the owner or resident. The new carts will cost the town about $900,000 and will be financed over five years. There is no additional cost to property owners.
Automated collection
The carts are part of the town’s new trash and recycling contract, which features automated
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Marblehead Public Health Director Andrew Petty shows off new trash and recycling carts at a meeting last September.
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS
Preschoolers from the JCC have fun digging in the earth, planting vegetables and learning about gardening outside Temple Sinai. Soon, the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor will be delivered to the Marblehead Food Pantry. It’s part of the Manna Project, providing for those struggling with food insecurity. The interfaith Manna Project is run by Temple Sinai and Clifton Lutheran Church. To read more, visit MarbleCurrent.org.
COURTESY PHOTO
most homeowners, the lawn signs of the anti-override group Better Way Marblehead overstate the cost of the override proposals on the June 9 ballot, especially in the first three years.
Overrides, trust and town’s path forward debated at LWV forum
BY LEIGH BLANDER
With Marblehead voters set to decide four override questions that would permanently increase property taxes, candidates across multiple races spent Tuesday night debating budgets, transparency and how to rebuild trust in town government.
About 100 residents packed the Marblehead High School library for the Marblehead League of Women Voters candidates forum ahead of the June 9 election. Candidates for Select Board, School Committee, Recreation & Parks Commission, Cemetery Commission, Housing Authority and town moderator participated.
Select Board
Budget concerns dominated the Select Board discussion as incumbent Erin Noonan and challengers Rossana Ferrante and Jenn Schaeffner outlined their approaches to the town’s fiscal challenges.
Noonan defended her role in shaping the town’s tiered override proposal, which gives voters options for $9 million, $12 million and $15 million increases.
“At a time when the board was divided, I pushed hard
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Select Board candidates Rossana Ferrante (left to right), Jenn Schaeffner and Erin Noonan at a League of Women Voters Candidates Forum May 26.
for and ultimately prevailed in sponsoring a motion for a tiered, multi-year override that protects our schools, public safety departments and essential town services, while giving choice to citizens,” she said.
Noonan supports the Tier 3 override.
“This role requires making tough decisions in Marblehead’s long-term best interest, even when they are controversial,”
Noonan said, citing the town’s meals tax and creation of the Community Development and Planning Department.
Ferrante backed Tier 2, calling it the most practical option.
“For me, Tier 2 is the most logical, because it allows us to stabilize, and then we can take
some time to figure out, OK, what else can we do?” Ferrante said.
Schaeffner declined to endorse a specific override tier, saying residents are deeply worried about affordability, even if they recognize the town needs more revenue.
“From my perspective, I feel strongly that we do need to raise the (tax) levy,” Schaeffner said. “I do wrestle, though, with the fact that folks are really, really concerned about this.”
Candidates also discussed concerns about political division and public trust.
Ferrante said residents become frustrated when they feel excluded from decisions.
“I think what divides us is that people don’t feel heard, and so when people don’t feel heard,
people get louder,” Ferrante said.
She proposed creating focus groups or committees with residents holding different viewpoints.
“The conversations can be really uncomfortable, but that’s what it’s about,” she said. “That’s how you get together and find common ground.”
Schaeffner similarly emphasized collaboration, pointing to recent debates over the MBTA Communities Act and Marblehead’s compliance with the law known as “3A.”
“What finally happened is when the two sides came together, they reached a compromise,” she said.
“That is what I will bring to the table.”
All three candidates supported the memorandum of understanding signed by the Select Board, School Committee and Finance Committee to improve fiscal oversight and coordination.
School Committee
School Committee candidates focused heavily on budgets, transparency and declining enrollment.
written a petition for a special town meeting to revisit the budget. As of Monday afternoon, he had not submitted the required 200 signatures.
Candidates
Also on the ballot are contested races for Select Board, School Committee, Recreation & Parks Commission, Housing Authority and Cemetery Commission.
In the Board of Health race, there are three candidates for three open seats. The candidate who receives the most votes will serve three years, the candidate
Administrator Thatcher Kezer, School Superintendent John Robidoux and the chairs of the Select Board, School Committee and Finance Committee signed a memorandum of understanding pledging to phase in the implementation of any approved override to ease the burden on taxpayers.
That phased-in approach was then ratified by Town Meeting with its vote on Article 29. To the extent that the cost to any homeowner will be $7,500 over three years (more on that in a second), that should not be the case in the first three years. Under the terms of the MOU, even if voters approved the most expensive override (Tier 3, $15 million), the owner of an average home in town valued at $1.29 million would pay a total of $4,032 over the first three years, including the annual 2.5% increases allowed under Proposition 2 1/2: $556 in FY 27, $1,487 in FY 28 and $1,989 in FY 29. If the town only approves the Tier 1 ($9 million) or Tier 2 ($12 million) overrides, the cost drops accordingly.
Also not immediately clear from the signs is the value of the home Better Way Marblehead is using for its calculations. In its communications, the group has favored using the aforementioned average home value ($1.29 million), which is skewed by the multi-million-dollar homes in town. The median home value,
who receives the second most votes will serve two years and the candidate who receives the fewer votes will receive one year before needing to run for another threeyear term.
Candidates in contested races made their pitches at a League of Women Voters forum. Read more about that on page 7.
The Current will have a team of reporters covering election results. Stay with us at MarbleheadCurrent. org.
which represents the midpoint of all the home values in town, is just under $1 million. The median arguably provides a more useful comparison for a higher percentage of homeowners. Since the average home value is approximately 29% higher than the median, the cost of the overrides for the owner of that $1.29 million home is 29% higher, too.
Better Way Marblehead also includes in its calculations the cost of trash pickup. This is arguably fair because, one way or the other, the way residents pay for trash collection will be changing. Voters will either approve Question 4 (which Better Way Marblehead recommends) or receive a quarterly bill from the town for trash collection if Question 4 fails. For the owner of a $1.29 million home, passage of Question 4 would add an additional $297 to their tax bill in the first year (and increase by 2.5% thereafter).
While it is legitimate for Better Way to include this cost in its calculations, its signs — which lobby for a “no” vote on Questions 1, 2 and 3 — do not make clear that they are including Question 4 in the math.
Finally, there is the simple fact that most people tend not to think about any of their bills — including their quarterly property tax bills — across a three-year timeframe. Most people think about costs year to year — if not month to month, or quarter to quarter.
VERDICT: The most expensive override on the ballot (Question 3) — combined with the
trash-collection override found in Question 4 or quarterly trash bills — may cost some homeowners “$7,500+” over a three-year span. But because of the memorandum of understanding, the first such three-year span for the owner of a $1.29 million home should not begin until 2029 (FY 30). For the owners of homes valued at less than $1.29 million, the cost will be less.
Rather than relying on lawn signs, residents who want a truer picture of how much the different overrides would increase their tax bills in the first three years can use one of the tax calculators linked from the Current’s voters guide at marbleheadcurrent.org.
BY ROB HOWIE
On June 5, 6 and 8 the town of Marblehead will join communities around the globe in recognizing World Oceans Day — a time to celebrate and protect one of our planet’s most vital resources. With a proud maritime history and deep coastal roots, Marblehead is uniquely connected to the ocean — environmentally, economically and culturally.
On June 5, 6:30- 8 p.m., the Corinthian Yacht Club will host a talk by Dr. Shelley Brown, executive director of Sailors for the Sea Powered by Oceana, and the event is free and open to the public. Sailors for the Sea is a leading ocean conservation organization that engages, educates and activates the global boating community to restore ocean health. To date, the organization has sponsored more than 4,000 events on and off the water across 53 countries, reaching over 1.7 million sailors and attendees.
On Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m., Sustainable Marblehead will celebrate the installation of a new water refilling station at State Street Landing as part of an ongoing effort to avoid single-use plastic water bottles. All are invited to attend. In addition, the public will get a first look at the new oyster
upweller at Tucker’s Wharf, which is part of an exciting pilot shellfish restoration project launching this summer. Local officials will join with other leaders responsible for the environmental stewardship of Marblehead Harbor, including members of the Marblehead Harbor Plan Implementation Committee. Those attending will get a complimentary water bottle.
On June 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. the Warwick Cinema will host “One Ocean Film Tour,” an evening of award-winning short films for ocean lovers. Join us for an evening of spectacular visual imagery and inspiring stories from around the globe, focused on ocean conservation and aquatic adventure. The event begins with a reception followed by the film screening, and also includes a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit Sustainable Marblehead’s Shellfish Restoration Project. The reception will be hosted by The Beacon Restaurant and is generously sponsored by Sailboats Northeast and Lisa Gallagher with RE/MAX Beacon. Tickets are available at oceanfilmtour.eventbrite.com.
World Oceans Day was officially designated by the United Nations in 2008 to raise awareness of the crucial role the ocean plays in sustaining life
on Earth. Each year, it provides an opportunity for individuals, communities and nations to reflect on our collective dependence on the ocean — and to act to protect it.
The theme for World Oceans Day 2026, “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet,” invites us to consider not only the scientific importance of the ocean, but also its beauty, power and capacity to inspire. The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet’s surface, generates at least half of the oxygen we breathe, regulates climate patterns and supports the livelihoods of over 3 billion people worldwide. Yet despite its immense value, it faces significant threats, including pollution, overfishing, acidification and rising temperatures.
In recognition of these challenges — and the ocean’s indispensable role in our lives — the Select Board issued a formal proclamation in 2025 marking
June 8 as World Oceans Day in Marblehead.
The proclamation emphasizes the town’s commitment to ocean stewardship: “Marblehead is a town defined by its connection to the sea. We encourage all residents to participate in activities that celebrate the ocean’s significance and promote its conservation for the benefit of current and future generations.” In Marblehead, where the Atlantic stretches to the horizon, the message of World Oceans Day resonates deeply. Generations have fished, sailed, recreated and dreamed beside these Waters — and today, many are giving back. Boaters and sailors have taken the Sailors for the Sea pledge to protect our waters through programs such as Clean Clubs, Clean Regattas, and the Green Boater pledge, which includes reducing single-use plastics.
World Oceans Day also aligns with broader efforts to address global environmental challenges.
The ocean plays a critical role in carbon absorption and ecosystem regulation. Its conservation and sustainable management are essential to human health, food security and long-term economic stability.
The town’s Harbor Plan Implementation Committee is pursuing funding to expand public access to the water,
repair infrastructure, improve recreational boating facilities and build resilience to sea level rise and climate change. These efforts also aim to support commercial fishing — an essential part of our “blue economy” — in a sustainable way. In a community like Marblehead, where the harbor and ocean shape our history and quality of life, we share a responsibility to protect and sustain this vital resource for future generations.
Whether through advocacy, education or stewardship, every action contributes to a healthier, more resilient ocean.
As the Select Board reminds us, “World Oceans Day is not just a moment of recognition—it is a call to action.” Get involved.
President John F. Kennedy captured our enduring connection to the sea in 1962: “We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the se a— whether it is to sail or to watch it — we are going back from whence we came.”
Rob Howie is a member of the Marblehead Harbor Plan Implementation Committee, Sailors for the Sea Skipper for Marblehead, a board member of Sustainable Marblehead and a recipient of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce Harbor Award.
collection trucks equipped with mechanical arms that lift and empty barrels, reducing the need for a second worker on each route.
Trash carts will hold 65 gallons, while recycling carts will hold 95 gallons. Pickup will continue on a weekly schedule.
“Folks that live in the downtown (Old & Historic) district can request a smaller set of barrels,” Petty added. “We can issue them a 35-gallon trash and a 65-gallon recycling cart. We do suggest that you try out the larger barrels for six weeks before, but we are able to change them from the beginning if you know it will not work.”
certain condominium units, according to the regulations.
Eligible properties under the new collection contract include: single-family homes, two-family homes and multifamily dwellings containing up to four units, as well as some businesses and
Trash collection fees are no longer being covered through property taxes, and the town plans to bill property owners unless residents opt out in writing.
At the June 9 town election, voters will decide whether to approve a $2.3 million permanent override to cover trash collection costs, which would eliminate the need for the fee-based system.
Petty encouraged residents to bring old trash barrels to the transfer station, where a bin for large plastic items will be available.
Opinion
EDITORIAL
Vote ‘yes’ on 3 (and 1 and 2)
The last time Marblehead passed a general override of Proposition 2 1/2, gas was $2 a gallon, “The Office” and “Grey’s Anatomy” were new to TV, Carrie Underwood had just won “American Idol,” and Tom Brady had only three Super Bowl rings.
Someone born that year (2005) is now old enough to vote on June 9 — and likely old enough to buy a drink after.
In the two decades since, the town has managed — cutting positions, drawing down reserves, deferring maintenance and hoping the math would improve. It hasn’t.
June 9 is the day we stop managing decline and start reversing it.
In addition to Question 4 on trash collection, on the ballot are three override questions. We urge every Marbleheader to vote yes on all three — and particularly on Question 3.
Despite what detractors would tell you, the problem these questions address isn’t mismanagement. It’s math.
Marblehead faces a $7.7 million operating budget deficit. That number didn’t appear overnight, and it isn’t the result of reckless spending. It’s the consequence of a structural mismatch: State law caps property tax growth by 2.5% per year. The town’s unavoidable costs — benefits, pensions, contractual raises, special education obligations — answer to no such cap. The gap widens every year, whether we address it or not.
The Finance Committee has been raising this alarm for years. For a long time, one-time fixes were enough to buy another year. They aren’t anymore.
Town officials have done the difficult work. They’ve found efficiencies, cut positions, tapped revolving funds and right-sized the school district to reflect declining enrollment.
Those who now lobby for “no” votes on Questions 1, 2 and 3 and for an emergency special town meeting to figure out which leaks to patch disrespect the countless hours — many of them by volunteers — to reach difficult decisions. It is folly to think a better path forward will emerge under crisis conditions, once town employees have begun to be laid off and services start to be curtailed.
A $123 million budget approved at Town Meeting already includes painful reductions to public safety, the library, the Council on Aging and more. The schools alone lose 21.5 positions under the current budget — and that’s before municipal cuts are factored in. Why Question 3, not just 1 or 2?
Questions 1 and 2 are necessary. Question 3 moves us forward. If you’re leaning “yes” on Questions 1 and/or 2 but hesitating on Question 3, consider what the additional investment actually buys. It’s not extravagance. It’s deferred capital projects — park maintenance, school bus repairs, public works equipment — finally getting attention. Deferred maintenance has a way of becoming emergency maintenance, and that just costs everyone more. Question 3 also restores a special education program for students ages 18-22 that was cut during COVID — one that serves students locally rather than paying out-of-district placement costs, and could eventually bring in tuition from neighboring towns.
It funds a grant writer whose entire job is to pursue state and federal money the town currently isn’t capturing. It brings our police department, already stretched thinner than comparable towns on the North Shore, from 31 officers to 33, and adds two firefighters — reducing the costly forced overtime that comes with running understaffed. These aren’t wish-list items. They’re the investments that keep a well-run town well-run. The cost is worth putting in context.
Among comparable communities, Marblehead ranks near the bottom in what residents pay in property taxes. Towns like Lynnfield, Milton, Duxbury, and Andover all pay more — right now, before any override. Even if Question 3 passes, we would still be paying less than Norwell, Hingham, Needham, Winchester, Belmont and Lexington. We are not being asked to become the highest-taxed town on this list. We’re being asked to stop being the town that invests the least in itself.
This space takes no position on Question 4, except to note that a “yes” vote would shift a bit more of the cost of trash collection to those with a greater ability to pay, given that an override that would track home value, while a user fee would be the same for all property owners.
As for Question 4, the theory that the funds that this “forever” override raises could at some point be repurposed is a reasonable concern, but history suggests that trash collection is unlikely to get cheaper as time goes by, and a user fee could prove easier for town officials to raise. Going to a fee-based system by rejecting Question 4 would preserve the option for residents to opt out of curbside collection by the town and explore alternative options, though we have our doubts as to whether most residents would find alternatives they prefer.
We also don’t take the financial burden of any of the proposed overrides lightly. For some residents — particularly those on fixed incomes — this is a genuine hardship, and tax relief programs exist for those who qualify.
But the alternative isn’t the status quo. The cuts are already written. An override is the only thing that erases them.
Skeptics of government spending will note, correctly, that passing an override doesn’t guarantee that the funds raised be managed well. That’s why this override comes with a signed commitment from the Select Board, the School Committee and the Finance Committee to seek no additional general override for three years, to conduct quarterly joint budget reviews and to rebuild the town’s rainy-day fund. This is not a blank check. Annual Town Meeting approval is required before a single dollar is allocated. The people of Marblehead authorized this funding. The people of Marblehead will decide how it’s spent. That doesn’t change.
Town Meeting voted 1,227 to 159 to send this to the ballot — a margin of nearly eight to one. Now it goes to all of us.
Vote yes on Questions 1, 2, and 3 on June 9 — or during early voting available at Abbot Hall June 2 through 4. Twenty-one years is long enough.
COLUMN
A voter’s plain-English guide to the June 9 override questions
BY MARGARET BACON
If you have looked at the June 9 ballot and wondered why there are four separate override questions, you are not alone. The ballot can look confusing at first glance. Here is a straightforward explanation of what each question means, what it is projected to cost and how to vote for the outcome you actually want.
The four override questions are really asking voters to make two separate decisions.
Questions 1, 2 and 3 are tiered funding options dealing with town and school budgets.
Question 4 is a separate yes-or-no vote about how Marblehead pays for curbside trash and recycling collection.
Your vote on the trash question has no effect on Questions 1, 2 and 3, and vice versa.
Why are there three override questions?
Massachusetts law allows communities to present a Proposition 2 1/2 override as a series of funding levels. Marblehead’s Select Board chose this approach to give voters a choice about how much additional funding, if any, they support.
What does each level fund and what does it cost?
All figures below reflect projected tax impacts on a median Marblehead home valued at $998,600. Each override amount is phased in over three years, not all at once in the first year.
The Select Board, School Committee and Finance Committee have signed a memorandum of understanding committing to seek no further general override until at least fiscal year 2030, regardless of which question passes.
` QUESTION 1: $9 MILLION
— PARTIAL RESTORE
This is the minimum tier. According to town projections, it reduces some of the deepest cuts but does not fully restore all services.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lend your voice to the Marblehead Master Plan 2037
To the editor:
While many of us are focused heavily on the current fiscal challenges facing our community, Marblehead residents also have another opportunity to provide input to Marblehead’s longer-term future. On Saturday, June 13, the town of Marblehead, MAPC and representatives from the Marblehead Master Plan 2037 Advisory Group, who are guiding this process will host an open house from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Abbot Library to share early findings and gather input, as this group works toward its completion in 2027. Drop in at any time within those hours to hear about the ongoing work and provide your feedback.
The forthcoming master plan provides a roadmap for Marblehead’s growth and evolution over the next decade and beyond. While a master plan does not create new laws or policies, it provides a comprehensive view of the town’s current situation together with a shared vision for the future. The plan provides guidance for the many town departments, boards and committees together with business leaders and developers as these stakeholders make decisions that affect our future.
Didn’t realize that there
The library would remain open on a reduced schedule, the school resource officer position would be eliminated and schools would still face a $4 million deficit in FY 2028.
Projected tax increase on a median Marblehead home:
Year 1 (FY2027): ~$130 additional per year
Year 2 (FY2028): ~$533 additional per year
» Year 3 (FY2029): ~$256 additional per year
Total annual increase once fully phased in: ~$919 per year
These are incremental increases, not cumulative. Each year’s amount is added to the previous year’s increase. By Year three, the full annual increase is in place and continues going forward.
` QUESTION 2: $12 MILLION — BUILD
This level includes everything in Question 1, plus restores funding for the library, police, fire and Council on Aging. It also includes fullday kindergarten and additional maintenance funding for town buildings and parks.
Projected tax increase on a median Marblehead home:
» Year 1 (FY2027): ~$280 additional per year
Year 2 (FY2028): ~$676 additional per year
Year 3 (FY2029): ~$274 additional per year
Total annual increase once fully phased in: ~$1,230 per year
By year three, the full annual increase is in place and continues going forward.
` QUESTION 3: $15 MILLION — INVEST
This level includes everything in Questions 1 and 2, plus additional funding for public safety, economic development, equipment and longterm capital needs across town and school departments.
Town officials say this is the only level that fully addresses the town’s projected structural deficit.
Projected tax increase on a median Marblehead home:
» Year 1 (FY2027): ~$430 additional per year
was such a thing as a 10-year master plan? Not surprising, since the last full-blown plan was completed in 1970, along with an update in 1989. Thanks to our current town Planning Board and the Community Development and Planning Department, work began late last fall on a two-year grant-funded project to develop our next ten-year plan. The Open House on June 13 will touch on topics such as: fiscal & infrastructure sustainability, housing & workforce affordability, multimodal transportation options, economic vitality and coastal resilience. The Master Plan Advisory Group is a group of 25 people representing many of the relevant boards, commissions and committees as well as elected officials, town employees from key departments, youth representatives and people from faith communities and social services.
As you think about the future of our town and your ballot choices on June 9, please also consider sharing your thoughts and aspirations on June 13 to ensure that Marblehead thrives for generations to come.
Dave Weber Cliff Street Member, Marblehead Master Plan 2037 Advisory Group
Veterans agent says ‘thank
you’
To the editor: Thank you to the many volunteers who came out to help place all our Veteran
Flags on our graves as well as to those who supported our events this past Memorial Day weekend. Special thank you to the Masons, for providing our Veterans with a fabulous breakfast and to the many volunteers who served us and the COA for hosting us.
To those who had active roles in our events, thank you, especially, our amazing speakers, Alejandra Orlandoni and Jason Topp, members of Marblehead Select Board, our Rep., Jenny Armini and Senator Brendan Crighton, Marblehead Cub Scouts, our Police and Fire departments, Bugler John Collins, Singer, Lizzie Solange, Larry Sands and the members of the Glovers Marblehead Regiment, and Monsignor Moran. We couldn’t do this without you.
To my colleagues, thank you for supporting my department, and me!
To the Marblehead VFW Commander and members — thank you for sponsoring our events and for your continuous support of Veterans, their families, my department, and me. And finally, Veterans and family members — thank you for your dedication, and service Roseann Trionfi-Mazzuchelli Marblehead Veterans Agent Cyclist sends thanks to mystery ‘savoir’
To the editor:
Citizens of Marblehead, I am 83 years old, suffer from COPD and evidently some
BACON, P. 12 LETTERS, P. 12
The overrides and 3A
BY SEAMUS HOURIHAN
On June 9, voters will get to decide the outcome of four override proposals. Here are some musings and perspectives. And 3A ain’t done and gone.
Let’s talk trash
The least discussed and consequently the least understood issue facing voters (and even some Town officials) are the options for funding curbside trash and recyclable pick-up. The two options are a “user fee” or a “trash override.” The service provided is the same, but there is a major cost difference. The annual user fee will be $290.76 per household, billed quarterly. The trash override is funded by a property tax rate adder. Property taxes will be increased by adding 23.5 cents per thousand of assessed property value, bundled in your quarterly property tax invoice.
(Note: The trash override tax rates come from For Marblehead website based upon FY26 data.) A cost comparison of the two options is below: The trash override is a progressive tax where high value properties subsidize service for lower value properties. The breakeven is only slightly above the median property value. Half of property owners would benefit from the override and half from the user fee. The trash user fee will be effective unless the trash override secures a majority of votes on June 9. The other overrides – overs and unders Unfortunately, the prediction markets such as Polymarket, Kashi and others are not covering Marblehead’s June 9
election and ballot questions. In these markets, bets can be made on nearly anything - politics, weather, economics and more. One of the more esoteric wagers currently active at Polymarket is “what is the next date Trump will dance.” Yes, shake a leg. There are already disputes over what is considered a dance. Marblehead simply harbors too few bettors for these markets. If there is anything to learn from past Town Meetings (TM) and elections, it’s difficult to make predictions on very controversial issues. Take 3A as an example. At TM2024, 787 attendees, just 3% of registered voters, defeated the 3A plan by a margin of 3%. At TM2025, 1710 attendees, just 11% of registered voters, approved the 3A plan by a margin of 11%. In the following July’s special referendum, 6,391 voters, 38% of registered voters defeated the 3A plan again by a margin of 5%. That was a swing of 16%. Turnout was critical. The No 3A leaders did an amazing job of rallying their troops. The Yes 3A crowd was apathetic, perhaps smug from their TM victory.
At TM2026, 89% of the 1386 attendees, down 19% from 2025 and representing just 8% of registered voters, sent the three multi-tier, multi-year override questions to the ballot box on June 9. This does not imply any of the options will secure a majority vote. First, there is the complexity of the options and the voting rules. What is funded in each of the options? Can you vote for more than one option? Why should you vote for more than one option?
SCHOOL COMMITTEE UPDATE
What determines the winning option? What do the options cost me? The pro-override For Marblehead group has done an excellent job of answering these questions. But only you can decide what you can afford.
Now there is a late coming, less polished but hard charging anti-override group called Better Way Marblehead (BWM) led by the ringleaders of the No 3A crowd — John DiPiano, Sue McMacInnis. Their disciples congregate at the Facebook page Anything Marblehead 01945. Their mandate is for better management and cost control before pursuing overrides. Reaction to their specific plan, however, has been met with claims of “figures lie and liars figure” (my words) by the town finance director.
An MOU signed by Select Board, School Committee and FinCom promises not to introduce any additional overrides for three years if one of the override options is approved. This non-legally binding document financially boxes in the town unnecessarily. What if Question 1 – the $9M partial-restore-services option passes? The town doesn’t get to reconsider the additional
funding needed for two more years? Or if there is a regime change in one of the three boards. Or if there are multimillion, unanticipated expenses or assessments like those envisioned by BWM coming from South Essex Sewer District.
Turnout will be key! Put your helmet on and buckle your chin strap as you go to vote. Nobody knows the outcome now.
3A — Recourse for the golf course
Sorry folks, it ain’t over. Speaking of predictions, in my January 7, 2026 column I wrote: “Tedesco Country Club and 3A zoning proposal — creative but a blatantly obvious dodge. With their Harvard and Princeton degrees, our governor and AG are not country bumpkins that just fell off a pumpkin wagon. You can bet their staffs are working overtime to find grounds to disqualify Marblehead’s latest 3A proposal … Or perhaps they defer their decision to buy more time to disqualify Marblehead’s latest plan. Acceptance would be precedent setting … other towns would seek to amend their plan around a private country club.” We know now that all 3A plan
comments by the state have been preliminary, not final. Perhaps our AG was preoccupied with working behind the scenes to get her older brother out of jail for allegedly very bad behavior. In any case. It took David Modica’s YIMBY questioning at Town Meeting — “Are we kind of being pricks?” — to wake her up. How could she ignore the millions of Instagram and X views and subsequent coverage by the Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe and many other media outlets. On WBUR, the AG stated she will be determining “if there is any recourse we can take.” The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has not even started its final review of Marblehead’s plan.
Back-up plan? If the golf course didn’t work, how about the five yacht clubs? There should be no worry about setting precedents since no town has the number of yacht clubs like Marblehead. Oh yeah, I forgot one, the virtual CBYC – Cheap Bastards Yacht Club. Very appropriate. It could be our flagship overlay zoning district. Another idea is our Town-owned buildings. A redeveloped Abbott Hall would be perfect for multifamily housing - high on the hill in the heart of the Historic District. And the Old Town House — right on the MBTA bus route. A third plan might include some combination of Tower Way, MMLD, MHS, Veterans School, Brown, Glover, Eveleth and Coffin. With so many back-up plans we could keep the litigious AG’s office at bay for years to come. James (Seamus) Hourihan was born in Marblehead and is a MHS graduate. For 35 years, he worked in finance, marketing and executive management roles at high-tech companies. He currently sits on the Town Charter Committee.
Override, honors and district improvement plan
BY MELISSA CLUCAS AND HENRY GWAZDA
Marblehead voters will see three override questions on the June 9 ballot. Here is a brief recap of why the override was proposed and how the vote works
Why the override is needed
The School Committee approved a $47.6 million FY27 budget that required eliminating 18.25 FTE positions. This is the first time in recent memory that the district’s total budget has been reduced in dollar terms. To close the $3.1 million gap, the district used a one-time financial maneuver it cannot repeat: prepaying $1.5 million in special education tuition from accumulated reserves. Those reserves are now gone. Fiscal year 2028 brings a larger structural gap, with special education tuition costs returning to the budget at full cost and contractual teacher salary increases taking effect. Despite this pressure, the district continues to deliver strong outcomes: Marblehead students outperform the state MCAS average by 15 percentage points, MHS carries a 99% graduation rate and the district spends below the state per-pupil average.
On May 21, the School Committee passed a proclamation officially supporting the adoption of Question 3 as the designated funding level to ensure the fiscal and operational stability of the school district through 2030.
The Select Board, School Committee and Finance Committee have all signed a memorandum of understanding
pledging not to seek an additional override before FY2030 if the override passes at any tier.
The three questions — Schools’ share
Question 1 ($9M total | $6.2M to schools): Funds contractual salary increases, restores special education out-of-district tuition to the required level and moves revolving-funded positions into the General Fund.
Question 2 ($12M total | $7.2M to schools): Everything in Question 1, plus a technology lease for student devices and software ($150K/yr), and elimination of the full-day kindergarten fee (currently $671K/yr charged to families).
Question 3 ($15M total | $8.5M to schools): Everything in Questions 1 and 2, plus curriculum and professional development ($100K/yr), an in-district 18–22 special education program (FY29: $500K) and a school building capital fund (FY29: $500K).
How the override vote works
Questions 1, 2 and 3 are separate questions on the ballot.
Each requires a majority (more than 50%) of votes cast on that question to pass. If more than one question passes, only the highest- passing tier takes effect — not a combination of all three.
Voting on each question You may vote YES, NO or leave a question blank on each question independently. A YES vote supports that question passing. A NO vote opposes it. Leaving a question blank means your vote is not counted toward the
majority threshold for that question, which can affect the outcome.
How the tiered structure works
The tiers are designed so that a YES on a lower tier also serves as a floor. If your preferred tier does not reach a majority, a lower tier you also voted YES on may still pass. Voting YES only on your preferred tier, and NO or blank on the others, means that if your preferred tier falls short, no override takes effect at all.
For example: a voter who prefers Question 2 but also wants insurance that some level of override will pass would vote YES on Questions 1 and 2, and NO on Question 3. A voter who opposes any override would vote NO on all three questions.
Question 4 is a separate, unrelated question about curbside trash and recycling services.
Election Day is Tuesday, June 9, and early voting takes place at the Town Clerk’s Office at Abbot Hall June 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
District improvement plan approved
At the May 21 School Committee meeting, the board approved the Marblehead Public Schools District Improvement Plan for 2026–2029. Required by DESE every three years, the DIP is our district’s strategic roadmap. It was developed collaboratively with input from staff, students, families and School Committee members.
The plan is organized around six goals:
» Curriculum, Instruction and Evaluation: Including integrating AI as a learning tool and ensuring DESEendorsed literacy programs are in place within our multitiered system of supports framework.
Teacher Quality and Professional Development: Research-based, jobembedded PD and a strong, two-year mentoring program for new hires.
» Human Resource Management: Attracting, retaining and celebrating qualified staff.
» Student Support Programs and Services: Restorative practices, social-emotional learning, improved transitions between schools and enhanced safety protocols.
» Leadership, Governance, and Communication: Transparent decision-making, community partnerships and technology infrastructure improvements.
» Financial and Asset Management: Transparent budgeting, grant-seeking and a long- term capital plan, including the high school roof replacement.
Each school’s individual school improvement plan aligns with these DIP goals. The full plan is available on the district website.
Marblehead Veterans Middle School named a NELMS spotlight school
The New England League of Middle Schools has designated Veterans Middle School as a
Spotlight School, one of the highest recognitions NELMS grants to middle schools across the region. During a recent visit, NELMS evaluators observed classrooms, joined lunch duty and met with students and staff. What they found was a school where students feel genuinely at home. One eighth grader summed it up simply: “There isn’t a room that I walk into that I don’t feel comfortable in.” NELMS cited rigorous and engaging instruction, datadriven programming, a strong advisory culture and schoolwide systems that support both teaching and learning. But the recognition ultimately came down to something less easy to quantify: a clear, consistent and energetic commitment to doing what is best for young adolescent students. Congratulations to Principal Matt Levangie and the entire Vets community.
Marblehead recognized for progress on chronic absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, has been one of the most significant and underreported consequences of the pandemic. Nationally, rates nearly doubled after COVID-19, and Marblehead was no exception: the share of chronically absent students rose from 7% in 2017 to 19% by 2025, with disproportionate impacts on low-income students. Getting kids back in school consistently matters enormously. Research shows that missing just 10 math
Culture Feast brings community together to celebrate diversity
BY MARIELLE SABBAG
Food, music and dance brought students, families and educators together May 29 as Marblehead High School hosted its annual Culture Feast, a celebration of diversity sponsored by METCO. Senior and METCO student Janeiry Torres
said it was bittersweet to celebrate her final Culture Feast at MHS.
“Culture feasts are a great way to get the community together and experience new things,” said the 17-year-old Boston resident.
A feast of home-cooked meals was served in the cafeteria, featuring dishes
of chicken wings, rice, spring rolls and more. Harper Mooney, an 11th grader, said the spring rolls were delicious.
“Nights like this help us be more open, and it’s a great experience to bring the community together,” the 16-yearold said.
A variety of cultural performances took place in the auditorium, including singing, music and dancing. The stage was filled with performers throughout the evening.
“It’s nice to see cultures come together to share passions, strength and diversity,” said Lily O’Keefe, an 18-year-old senior.
Read more about Culture Feast and check out a photo gallery at MarbleheadCurrent.org.
CURRENT PHOTO / MARIELLE
Marblehead’s Modica takes center stage at pro-housing rally on Beacon Hill
BY AKANKSHA GOYAL
Under the sweltering sun outside the State House May 27, a large crowd of pro-housing advocates gathered on the front steps of Beacon Hill to urge lawmakers to pass zoning reforms aimed at accelerating housing production across the state.
But even at a rally centered on a statewide housing crisis, Marblehead repeatedly found itself at the center of the conversation.
And one resident, in particular, had become something of a celebrity.
David Modica, whose remarks at Town Meeting in May went viral online, drew some of the loudest reactions of the afternoon when he took the microphone to close out the rally.
Dressed in a Hawaiian overshirt with the same headphones slung around his neck that appeared in the viral Town Meeting video, Modica was repeatedly approached by attendees who told him they had watched his comments online.
One sign held above the crowd read: “Let’s not be pricks!” — a direct reference to the line from his Town Meeting remarks that has since spread widely across social media and housing advocacy circles across the state and country.
Modica, whose brief comments catapulted him into statewide housing discourse, now stood alongside statewide political leaders including Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Sen. Brendan Crighton and Rep. Andres Vargas as advocates pushed lawmakers to pass reforms before the legislative session ends in July.
The rally, organized by Abundant Housing Massachusetts, focused on the proposed “Act to Promote Yes in My Backyard,” or YIMBY, legislation, a sweeping package of zoning reforms intended to encourage housing production statewide.
“We are here today because we know that housing is just too unaffordable in Massachusetts,” Abundant Housing Massachusetts Executive Director Jesse Kanson-Benanav
told the crowd.
“Because there simply aren’t enough homes to rent or to buy to meet people’s needs or budgets.” Among its provisions, the legislation would allow duplexes and multifamily housing up to five units by right in areas served by municipal water and sewer systems, legalize multifamily housing near transit, reduce parking minimums and eliminate minimum lot size requirements for new residential developments.
The bill would also make it easier to build housing on land owned by religious institutions and require municipalities to regularly submit housing production plans showing how they intend to meet affordable housing needs.
Marblehead locals weigh in During his remarks Wednesday, Modica described becoming increasingly frustrated while attending local housing meetings.
“You think you’re going to figure out where to put the housing … but that’s not what happens,” he said. “They’re pulling out all these procedures and these pretenses and you realize they don’t want to build any housing.” He added: “You can get a real, real sense of dread because you look around the room and you realize most of these people are going to be in the ground before a single shovel is.” He described reading a plaque at Fort Sewall stating that the structure had “been modified to accommodate the town’s changing needs.” “Maybe
enrollment shifts.
“We would need to look at a zero-based budget to start with, because our enrollment has changed so drastically,” Fox said.
Incumbent Melissa Clucas said this year marked improved collaboration among town boards.
“For the first time, the School Committee, the Select Board and the Finance Committee worked together, not in silos,” Clucas said. She also highlighted efforts to improve communication with residents.
“We started monthly newsletters — plain language, real answers, so you don’t have to attend multiple meetings a month to understand what’s happening in your schools,” Clucas said. “That’s new, and based on what I keep hearing, it mattered.” Clucas supports the Tier 3 override.
Candidate Ann-Marie Jordan emphasized her experience in school leadership and financial management.
“I have been a school teacher and a school administrator for over 30 years,” Jordan said. “I know what strong, stable leadership is.”
Former School Committee
member Sarah Fox argued the district should fundamentally reevaluate spending as
In closing remarks, candidates repeatedly returned to transparency and accountability.
Clucas said the committee had brought “a new culture, real transparency, and better relationships with the town, the MEA (teachers union) and the community.”
Fox pledged to prioritize “true transparency and honesty” if elected.
Recreation & Parks
Candidates for Recreation and Parks Commission focused on long-term planning, accessibility and capital projects, particularly the ongoing Reynolds Field renovation.
Incumbent Shelly Bedrossian said partnerships have helped stretch limited resources.
“I would say our biggest accomplishment as a commission is really leveraging our public and private partnerships,” Bedrossian said.
She pointed to the Reynolds project as a major priority.
“The biggest thing is that we are finally getting traction on Reynolds Field refurbishment,
problem,” he said. “We need to find ways to do it. We can’t be high- minded about this if people want places to live.” He also argued communities cannot continue delaying housing conversations indefinitely.
“When you go to Marblehead, you see the sign that says 1629,” Modica said. “I feel like once you’re 400 years old, you give up the right to delay important conversations.”
history does have lessons for us after all,” he said.
Before the rally, Modica and fellow Marblehead resident Nick Ward spoke with the Current about why they traveled to the State House and how the proposed legislation could affect communities like Marblehead.
“I think it is a big step towards giving homeowners back their property rights,” Ward said.
“The result of that is that there are a lot of people out there who would like to make better use of their land and property,” he added. “In many cases that better use will be additional housing.” Modica framed the legislation as an effort to reduce procedural barriers rather than radically reshape communities overnight.
“Allowing stuff, eliminating some of the procedural veto points are important,” he said. “It is a lot of opportunities to get held up which cost time and money.” He continued: “Removing those is going to remove a lot of friction when it comes to home building.” Ward said the debate over local control had become secondary to the larger need for housing production.
“I want to be part of the solution,” he said. “If that means clawing back some degree of local control because towns and municipalities want to try to opt out of the broader needs of the Commonwealth, then that’s what it means.” Modica also pushed back on arguments centered around local control, saying municipalities have repeatedly failed to address the housing shortage on their own.
“We’re not solving the
which will have a major impact on this town,” she said.
Bedrossian also highlighted accessibility concerns.
“We do not have one park in town that is fully ADA compliant,” she said. “It’s pretty bad.”
Candidate Ken Klaiman said he hopes to bring a more strategic approach to recreation planning.
“My focus is on thoughtful stewardship of our existing assets, stronger community partnerships, expanded accessibility, inclusion and a more strategic, long-term approach to recreation planning and investment,” Klaiman said.
Chris Kennedy said the commission has laid important groundwork during his first term, while Larry Simpson emphasized his experience in horticulture and open-space management.
Incumbent Karin Ernst said effective governance depends on compromise.
“You need to have a group of people with different ideas that come to the table, and they figure it out,” Ernst said.
The moderator also read a statement from candidate Mike McCarthy, who could not attend.
Cemetery Commission and Housing Authority
Cemetery Commission
State legislators address concerns Crighton, who represents Marblehead and sponsored the Senate version of the bill, echoed many of those themes during both his speech and an interview with the Current.
“There is no silver bullet for solving the housing crisis,” Crighton said during the rally.
“And it’s going to be one that we have to stay vigilant on and continue to plug away at and I think our bill really picks up a lot of those pieces.” Asked about criticism that statewide zoning reforms reduce local control, Crighton acknowledged the tension but argued state action has become necessary.
“I recognize as a local official you want to be in control and I respect that space and certainly want to … give them levels of flexibility,” he told the Current.
“That being said, across the Commonwealth we’ve seen local policies that have gotten us into this crisis.”
“When there’s a crisis, I think we need to take bold steps to move forward,” he added. “We don’t want to take away the control. We just want to make it easier to build housing.” State Rep. Jenny Armini, whose district includes Marblehead, also attended the rally and emphasized that housing conversations must account for the realities of individual communities.
“Not every community in Massachusetts is the same,” Armini told the Current. “In Marblehead, we do not have the capacity for certain types of housing and so we’ve got to really be mindful of that.” Still, Armini said Marblehead needed to continue making room for more residents, particularly younger families and workers.
“I think about one of my
candidates discussed maintenance funding, historic preservation and future burial capacity.
Incumbent Sally Sands emphasized balancing preservation with long-term planning.
“My interest in serving on the Cemetery Commission aligns with my interest in Marblehead history, as well as the need to plan for future expansion of cemetery space,” Sands said.
Challenger Rose McCarthy focused on maintenance and public access concerns, including restroom access and water availability for families visiting gravesites.
Asked about digitizing cemetery records, Sands acknowledged budget limitations.
“Some of the records have been put into the digital space, but many of them are old 4-by-6 cards,” Sands said.
Housing Authority challenger Jeffrey Weeden discussed affordable housing development and resident engagement.
Incumbent Jean Eldridge did not attend, but the moderator read a statement highlighting her experience and commitment to residents.
Town moderator The race for town moderator
neighbors,” she said, describing a young firefighter who grew up in Marblehead and hopes to remain in town.
“I know that he wants to make his life in Marblehead,” Armini said. “And so whenever I think about housing, I think about him.” She also addressed Marblehead’s recent prominence in statewide housing conversations.
“Marblehead’s become the poster child,” she told the Current. “But it’s important to remember that Marblehead isn’t the only one struggling with these issues. We are an unbelievable community with a big heart and I think we will find a way to make a little more room to the extent that we have it,” she added.
Statewide pressure
Throughout the rally, speakers repeatedly tied the housing shortage to broader economic pressures facing Massachusetts.
Kanson-Benanav argued that the state’s lack of housing supply was driving young residents and essential workers out of Massachusetts.
“The people that our communities rely on — childcare workers, nurses, service and retail workers — can’t find homes in the cities and towns that they serve,” he said. “When there are not enough homes, the wealthy will always outbid working people and everyone has to move further away, including away from Massachusetts.” Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, who lives in Salem, framed the issue in even simpler terms.
“There are two words I want to say about housing,” Driscoll said. “More. Faster.” She said Massachusetts currently faces a shortage of roughly 220,000 housing units.
“We need more housing. We need it built faster so we can support our strong economies and our strong communities,” Driscoll said.
As the rally wrapped up and advocates prepared to head inside the State House to meet with legislators, Modica remained surrounded by attendees for photos and conversations as the crowd slowly filtered indoors.
centered on procedure, civility and managing contentious meetings.
Incumbent Jack Attridge, seeking a fifth term, emphasized his decades of experience.
“I offer decades of community, municipal and business leadership, along with a keen interest in Marblehead’s governance,” Attridge said.
“Town meetings are sort of my Netflix and my hobby.”
Challenger Peter Jaffe criticized Attridge’s handling of portions of May’s Town Meeting, including the use of hand counts rather than electronic clickers and the management of controversial comments during debate over the town’s 3A zoning plan.
“You have to ensure that people are not disruptive,” Jaffe said. “We should not be making overnight heroes, letting people speak in front of our meeting and allowing that to disrupt how we want to run our business.” Throughout the evening, candidates repeatedly returned to the same themes: rising costs, public confidence in government and whether town leaders can work together as Marblehead confronts difficult budget decisions in the months ahead.
CURRENT PHOTO / AKANKSHA GOYAL
Marblehead resident David Modica speaks at a housing rally on Beacon Hill May 27. Forum
From P. 2
WE’RE STUCK IN AHOLE. YOUR VOTE GETS US OUT.
IF ALL OVERRIDES FAIL
Drastic cuts will be made to town services and employees, schools, public safety,services for our seniors,the library, and more. and our problem willdeepen over time. We’re in ahole.
IF QUESTION 1WINS
The cuts will be less drastic than if the override fails,but this scenario willbea reduction from where we are now. We will still be in the hole.
IF QUESTION 2WINS
Thedeep cutswill be avoidedand things will feel muchlike theydo now...with some helpful adds (like tuition-free, fullday Kindergarten). Butthe structural deficit that created the hole won’t be addressed, so we’re stillinthe hole.
MYTHS &TRUTHS
IF QUESTION3 WINS
We’reout andonto solid ground! Q3 will address this year’sbudget gap, unlock new revenue streams,and set up an annual fund for capital needs and maintenance, so we can fix small problems beforethey become large, expensive ones. TownMeeting will decide how those funds are spent. This is the best,most responsible path forward.
formarblehead.org/question3
“THIE
Has town government always been run perfectly? No.
“Q2 IS PLENTY! Q3 IS UNNECESSARY.” “WHERE’S
Is that why we are in thissituation? No. Towns across the state are experiencing this squeeze, and it’s because costsare increasing faster than MA towns are able to raise revenue under Proposition 21/2.
THE ACCOUNTABILITY?”
Acohort of capable leaders are in place across key town boards. They’ve worked collaboratively, scoured budgetsfor cuts andplanned new sources of revenue. They’ve approved a memorandum of understanding detailing how override funds will be spentand requiring regular reporting to ensure good governance. And For Marblehead will be here, advocating for fiscalresponsibility,
Marblehead hasn't passed ageneral overridein21years. We havea once in ageneration opportunityto put the town on asustainable financialpath for the future Every single vote will count. Don’t sit this one out!
Question 2isa big step forward. But it doesn't include fundingtoaddress the $8-11MM backlog of capital needs, nor to realize new revenue streams. It keeps us in place but doesn’tfix our core issues.Wehavean opportunityinfront of us to FIX our town’s finances, not kick the can down the road again.Let’s take it.
By almostany measure,Marblehead has one of the lowest tax burdens amongcomparable MA towns, and would remain below averageeven if any of the proposed overrides should pass. For 21 years, Proposition 2½ has controlled taxgrowth. General overrides have been attempted but never passed. More info at formarblehead.org/explainer
There are 4override questions on the ballot. Q1, Q2 &Q3are the town/schools override. Q4 is about fundingtrash collection.
Qs 1, 2, &3are separate but connected.Vote YorNoneach. If more than one question passes, the one withthe highest overrideamount wins. For the best chance of passing any override at all, vote Yes on all 3questions. (go to formarblehead.org for avideo that explains this)
Early voting is underway this week.It’seasy! Just walk into Abbot Hall & askfor a ballot.
Tue,June 2 (10am-3pm) Wed, June 3 (10am-5pm) Thu, June 4(10am-3pm)
Or, vote in person on Election Day: Tues, June 9 Polls open 7am to 8pm
Sports
MHS spring track teams secure top five finishes in annual NEC Meet
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High boys spring track team finished second in the annual Northeastern Conference Meet that took place this year in Danvers on May 22. The girls ended up fifth. During the regular season, the boys had a 7-2 record, while the girls were 5-4.
“The boys (122 total points) were in contention until the end of the (NEC) meet, when Masco (153) scored 27 points in the javelin (to put them on top),” said coach Nolan Raimo. “The girls (84 total points) were in a competitive pack with Beverly (92) and Gloucester (85) throughout the meet, but the depth of Masco (131) and Peabody (131) was just overwhelming.”
Among the highlights from the conference meet was Colin Hart breaking the meet record in the 400-meter hurdles, and Sarah Munroe, Marri O’Connell, Norah Walsh and Eleanor Morgan doing the same in the 4x800 relays.
Sprints Lucy Flynn ran away from her conference foes with personal bests in both the 100 (12.48) and 200 (25.55).
“Lucy holds the school record in both events, and continues to build on her resume as the fastest sprinter in school history,” said Raimo. “She is also a top 10 sprinter in the state, and enters the postseason with momentum after an incredible conference championship meet.”
On the boys side, Nate Selby (23.34) continued to impress with a second-place finish in the 200. Selby (11.55) also finished fifth in the 100 (11.55).
“Nate came off a decent indoor season, but has since risen impressively to the top of the conference in the sprints,” said Raimo. “Nate’s focus this
Boys tennis heads to the Elite 8
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Marblehead High boys tennis coach Karl Tenenholtz has enjoyed nothing but success in his first year along the sidelines. Tenenholtz has guided his Magicians to a 17-2 regular season record to secure the fifth seed in the Division 2 power rankings, and the winning continued in the first two rounds of the state tournament.
The Marblehead boys had the home court advantage in both matches. They first defeated North Attleboro (7-10), the 28th seed, in the Round of 32 on May 27, 3-2.
Ty Cooper lost to North Attleboro’s Aryav Relan in first singles, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 1-10. But T.J. Kelly got his teammates back on track with a second singles victory over Bhavi Mood, 6-1, 6-1. Caleb Sidman, however, lost to Sai Bonthu, 3-6, 6-3, 8-10 in third singles.
The first doubles team of Adam Loughlin and Alex Boehning defeated Zack Goulart and Arnav Gupta in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. Cordt Menzler and Filip Wabno, playing second doubles, took care of Swaroop Srinivasan and Lucas Pawul, 6-0, 6-3.
It was more of the same winning against Grafton on Sunday afternoon, May 31. The home team came out on top, despite some agonizingly closes matches, 4-1. Grafton (9-9), the 21st seed, upset Melrose (11-10), the 12th seed, in its Round of 32 matchup, 3-2 on May 28. Cooper rebounded in first singles to take down Grafton’s Logan Le 6-3, 6-1. Kelly won again, beating Max Schmidt in a competitive second singles matchup, 7-6 (7-4), 6-0. Sidman dropped an even closer third singles encounter to Hanuram Marikandan, 6-7 (3-7), 6-3, 8-10.
Loughlin and Boehning teamed up to beat Zayan Sharif and Om Kadiyan in three hard-fought sets, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Wabno and Menzler experienced a similar marathon trend that went Marblehead’s way, when they outlasted Billy Black and Amogh Swayampakula in second doubles, 6-4, 6-7 (2-7), 10-2. It’s onto the Elite 8 for these Magicians, who will now play the winner of the Walpole (fourth seed) / Burlington (13th seed) Sweet 16 matchup, which was scheduled to be played on June 2 after press deadline.
spring has been second to none, while managing a lingering injury that would have distracted and slowed down your typical athlete. But instead, he has stayed confident and resilient to produce the best times of his track career.”
Eben Weed (52.79) battled illness prior to NEC Meet, but
he still squared up and fought two dominant Masco runners all the way to the end in the 400, where he took home the bronze medal.
The 4x100 girls relay squad of Isabella Gonzalez, Meghan O’Leary, Cora Gerson and Charlotte Hodgkinson (53.77) came in fifth.
The 4x400 girls foursome of Madelyn Terry, Liv Carlson, Winnie Waddington and Courtney Hitscherich (4:33.52) came in sixth.
The 4x100 boys relay team of Slater Johnson, Selby, Dexter Wynn and Alex Humphreys (46.06) captured fifth.
The 4x400 boys quartet of Hart, Voeuncenzo Vorn, Weed and Johnson (3:34.77) secured the silver medal. “Their time is the fifth fastest time in school history, and they all ran on tired legs, especially Slater, who
just ran in the 4x100 minutes before,” said Raimo.
Distance races
All three Marblehead boys either matched or improved on their personal bests in the two-mile. Junior Filip Grubor (10:13.88, a 28-second personal best) finished fourth. Ivan Monin (11:29.38) came in 12th, matching his personal best. Owen Meunier (11:33.27, a 37-second personal best) was right on his heels, coming in 14th.
The Marblehead girls had a big group of eight runners in the two-mile, led by O’Connell (11:28.96), who went wire-towire to secure the win.
Standout freshman Eleanor Morgan (11:39.77, a 10-second personal best) used Marri to pull herself up to an impressive second place finish, and in so doing has become the fifth fastest freshman in the state. Marblehead’s Sophia Letwin (ninth, 13:13.01), Nadia Sirgausa (10th, 13:15.55) and Ginny Donato (12th, 13:29.82) all closed out their freshman campaigns with solid efforts, followed by Jesslyn Roemer (15th, 14:06.68), Evelina Beletsky (16th, 14:07.37) and Maddie Gelb (20th, 17:21.39).
The boys mile came down to a very exciting final lap, according to assistant coach Will Herlihy, with four fighting for that top spot. Henrik Adams (4:33.22, personal best) was in fourth at the bell, but found
MHS girls tennis team advances to the Sweet 16
BY JOE MCCONNELL
As the 14th seed in the Division 2 power rankings, the Marblehead High girls tennis team (12-6) took on Nauset Regional (8-9), the 19th seed, at home in the Round of 32 on May 26, and ended up defeating the Warriors, 4-1. Since the win, these Magicians have had plenty of time to rest up and practice before taking on host Duxbury (17-2), the third seed, on Wednesday, June 3, in the Sweet 16. The Clippers shutout the Foxboro Warriors (11-8), the 30th seed, 5-0 in their Round of 32 matchup on May 29. The Warriors made it to the Round of 32 after beating Minnechaug Regional (10-9), the 35th seed, in the preliminary round, 4-1 on May 27. A total of 39 teams made the postseason from this division.
The Magicians won all four of their individual matches against Nauset in straight sets. “Second doubles got us off to a fast start, with Harper Mooney and Lilly O’Keefe winning it, 6-1, 6-2,” said Coach Tracy Ackerman.
Samara Dosch won her first singles match, 6-2, 6-0, while the first doubles team of senior captains Joy Meshulam and Caroline Bruett secured the overall victory for their
teammates after their 6-4, 6-1 triumph. The Marblehead tandem was recently chosen to the Northeastern Conference AllConference team.
With the tournament opener already in hand, freshman Sophie Li also came through with a victory in third singles, 4-6, 6-4 (11-9).
Second singles player Callie Gilmore, however, suffered the team’s lone loss to Nauset’s eighth grade superstar, Ackerman, 1-6, 3-6.
“This was as good of a high
school tennis match as it gets,” said Ackerman afterwards, while adding, “all season long I have been emphasizing to the girls the importance of securing a home match in the first round of the playoffs, and today our fans did not disappoint. We had tons of fans show up, including some alumni, which I think really rubbed off on the team. They were full of positive energy. Each and every player played some great tennis, and I’m excited to see what else we can do as the tournament goes on.”
COURTESY PHOTOS / KATE WALSH
Marblehead High boys spring track senior captains Henrik Adams and Zach Pike run with the pack in the mile during the annual Northeastern Conference Meet at Danvers on May 22.
Marblehead High girls spring track senior Courtney Hitscherich competes in the mile.
COURTESY PHOTO / LUANN GABEL
Marblehead High girls tennis senior captains Caroline Bruett and Joy Meschulam have that determined look on their faces, while waiting for Nauset’s return shot during the Division 2 Round of 32 matchup on May 26. The Magicians won the match, 4-1 to advance to the Sweet 16 against host Duxbury on Wednesday, June 3.
TRACK, P. 10
another gear to push Anthony Colella all the way to the finish line to come in second. Zach Pike (4:44.74, personal best) finished eight.
Isaac Durand (5:14.57) completed his freshman campaign by coming in 20th among his conference peers.
O’Connell doubled back from her two-mile win to come out on top in the mile, as well. Hitscherich (5:37.92, a six-second personal best) also made the podium with a sixth-place finish. In the 800, Will Cruikshank (2:03.86) came in third. Nate Bently (2:06.05) hung tough on the second lap, and was able to finally overtake his Peabody counterpart to account for a fourth-place finish.
Victor Pechhold (11th, 2:12.71) and Felix Rengault (2:13.25) ran well in the first heat, and as a result they both slightly
improved on their previous personal bests.
In the girls 800, Munroe (2:20.03, three-second personal best, school record) was in second at the bell, but fell to fourth with less than 400 meters to go, before mustering up just enough speed to come back to finish second. Norah Walsh (2:27.92, a two-second personal best) was fifth.
In the boys 4x800, Adams, Grubor, Pike and Cruikshank finished second only to Peabody. Morgan, Walsh, Munroe and O’Connell (9:59.51) came out on top to account for a new NEC Championship Meet record in the 4x800 relay.
Hurdles
No one has run the 400meter hurdles faster than Colin Hart (56.48) in the history of the NEC Championship Meet. “Colin was about 10-meters behind the Gloucester hurdler around the 150-meter mark, but
unsurprisingly, he ran out of his mind in the final 200-meters to eventually pass him,” said Raimo. “Colin is now the second fastest 400-meter hurdler in school history, just 0.28 seconds away from a new record. His determination and consistency are simply remarkable.”
Nate Jendrysik (15.75), who has been a captain of the team the last two years, captured second in the 110-meter hurdles. Jendrysik (60.68) also finished fifth in the aforementioned 400meter hurdles.
Elian Colon returned to the hurdles after a long absence due to an injury, and still ended up sixth and on the podium stand.
Throwing events
Graham Firestone (142-0) was fourth in the javelin. Phineas Jakious (134-7) came in seventh.
Naomi Goodwin (70-1, personal best) barely missed scoring in the Top 6, and had to settle for ninth overall. Julia
Betz (62-0, personal best) was 12th. Hailey Gilmore (61-1, 14th), Mia Mabry (61-0, 15th), Arianna Leahy (53-0, 19th) and Sophie Bacon (47-11, 20th) rounded out the javelin squad that competed in the NEC Meet.
Logan McRae-Hughes (126-0) picked up a bronze medal in the discus. Firestone (111-0) was eighth.
Like the javelin, the girls discus event had five entries. Goodwin (65-2, 16th), Carlson (64-10, 18th), Hailey Gilmore (55-1, 21st), Margaret Miller (4811. 22nd) and Cora Gerson (44-9, 24th) all turned in fine efforts.
Jumping events
Freshman Charlotte Hodgkinson cleared 4-6, a personal best, in the girls high jump to finish fifth. Classmate Kaylei Corbett (4-2, personal best) ended up 13th.
In the long jump, Meghan O’Leary (15-3, personal best) placed eighth. Margaret Miller
(14-3.25) was 14th. Arianna Leahy (12-11) came in 23rd.
In the triple jump, Isabella Gonzalez (29-3.5) was credited with a 17th place finish. Corbett (29-1.5, personal best) capped off a fine day by coming in 19th in the conference.
Sophomore Clark Roszell (6-2) captured the boys high jump title. Senior captain Colin Burke (6-0) finished sixth. Burke (18-5.25) was also 11th in the long jump, while freshman Voeuncenzo Vorn (18-3, personal best) placed 13th.
Senior captain Alexander Humphreys (40-4.5, personal best) accounted for a fifthplace finish in the triple jump. Junior Chafik Khelladi (39-5.5, personal best) was close behind in seventh place. His classmate Noah Jackson (36-10.75, personal best) settled for 15th. Senior Brady Leveroni (32-8.5) closed it out for Marblehead in 22nd place.
Laxmen face Mansfield Wednesday in Sweet 16
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High boys lacrosse team (14-5) entered the Division 2 state tournament as the 20th seed, and as a result it had to travel to Westboro to take on the Rangers (14-4), the 13th seed, last Friday afternoon, May 29, in a Round of 32 game. But that didn’t deter Coach John Wilkens’ young team from staging a furious second half comeback to beat those Rangers, 8-7.
The Marblehead boys were trailing, 4-1 at halftime, but the difference between both halves was “shooting better,” Wilkens said, while adding, “this was a gritty win. We went out there to compete, and give it our best effort, which we did, especially in the second half of this backand-forth game.”
Tyler Forbes scored the gamewinner with just two minutes left on the clock. But the star of the show was senior goalie Colin Maniaci, who turned away 16 Westboro shots. “(Maniaci) made two late clutch saves to preserve the win,” said Wilkens. Besides scoring the winning goal, Forbes also had two other scores, while assisting on another tally to help pace the offensive attack. Kyle Thibodeau also scored three times to power the attack. Will Kinahan and Grady Becker each scored once. Owen Dulac was the assist leader with two. Reid Wysor was credited with an assist.
Wilkens praised the efforts of senior Grady Becker for taking over the faceoffs that helped maintain possession of the ball
in the second half.
The Magicians are now preparing for the Sweet 16 game against the host Mansfield Hornets (19-1), the fourth seed, on Wednesday night, June 3, at 7:30 p.m. The Hornets defeated North Quincy (8-11), the 29th seed, 19-5 on May 28 in its Round of 32 game.
“Beating Westboro was a great experience for our younger players that includes having three freshmen and two sophomores in the starting lineup,” said Wilkens, “but playing Mansfield will present a different challenge, especially for our defensemen.”
Softball Magicians upset by visiting Agawam in postseason opener
For the eight graduating seniors on the Marblehead High softball team, they might be saying right now, “What could have been.”
As sophomores, they were the ninth seed in the Division 2 power rankings after recording an 16-4 regular season record. They went 3-1 in the postseason, only losing to Westfield in an extra innings state semifinal heartbreaker, 3-2.
In 2025, they had another 16-4 regular season campaign, but were the 15th seed. They went 1-1 in the state tournament.
Hopkinton snuffed out their dreams in the Sweet 16 game to the tune of 7-1.
The Magicians were the 15th seed once again this year with an 12-8 record, but Agawam (14-6), the 18th seed, upset them right away in the Round of 32 last
imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: CallahanB@marbleheadma.gov and/or LyonsL@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing The link to the agenda is found: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events. Find the calendar date posted above. Left click on
David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission
Friday afternoon (May 29) at home, 6-1.
“You never know what each day might bring. We had good practices last week, but we couldn’t make any adjustments against their pitcher, who (was certainly not overpowering),” said Coach Johnny Gold after the Agawam game. “Like any team, we have to hit to win. We only had five hits in this game, and also stranded three runners on third base.”
Agawam jumped on pitcher Tessa Francis and the Magicians quickly with a three-run homer in the first inning. But the home team did get one of those runs back in the bottom of the first. After that, the lack of a clutch hit cost them dearly.
Ashley Mortensen led off the first inning rally with a walk. She then stole second, and went to third on a fake bunt try, before scoring on a single by Francis.
Junior Lucy Rogers was credited with a double to help power the limited attack. Twins Isabel and Ashley Mortensen, Hailey Schmitt, and Francis herself each singled once.
Francis closed out her sensational scholastic career with 12 strikeouts against the Brownies, bringing her career totals to 760. She allowed three walks and six earned runs.
“This is the best group of kids that I have ever coached over a four-year period,” said Gold. “When the end comes at any point of a season – and it’s not a championship – there’s nothing you can do about it.”
But there’s no denying their success the last three years. They
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accumulated a 44-16 regular season record in that span, and were 4-3 in the postseason.
Francis was recently selected to the NEC All-Conference team for the second straight year. She was also the Player of the Year in 2025. Third baseman Tessa Andriano made the 2026 all-star team after leading the team in RBI with 18. She also batted .360, second only to Ashley Mortensen’s team-leading .425 batting average. Isabel Mortensen (.340) and Schmitt (.307) rounded out the roster’s top hitters, according to average. But beyond the diamond, what separates these seniors from many student-athletes is their classroom performance. They are all heading to top colleges throughout the country, primarily as students.
Isabel Mortensen is going to Clemson, along with teammate Hailey Schmitt. Isabel’s twin sister Ashley is heading to the University of Florida. Tessa Andriano is Elon Universitybound, and her twin Kate is attending the University of Georgia. Nora Mahan, who loves to ski, plans to go to the University of Denver. Lillian Reddy will be studying at the Mass. Maritime Academy. Tessa Francis will be calling Worcester Polytechnic Institute home for the next four years.
Gold couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments on and off the diamond, and what lies ahead for them. “We had eight seniors on the roster, and they are all going to college,” he said. “Mission accomplished.”
The Marblehead Water and Sewer Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday June 30, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. at the Water and Sewer Commission Office, 100 Tower Way, Building #11. The purpose of the hearing is to review and set water and sewer rates and fees for the coming year All interested persons are invited to attend. Thomas Murray Chairman Water and Sewer Commission
Not so ‘grand’ ending for the baseball Magicians
The baseball Magicians (139) were the 29th seed in the Division 2 power rankings, and were slated to go up against Lynn Classical (13-8), the 36th seed, in a preliminary round game at Seaside Park last Friday afternoon, May 29, where they went on to shutout their former Northeastern Conference rival, 2-0. The win set the stage for the Round of 32 game against host Milton (15-6), the fourth seed, on Sunday afternoon, May 31, but they ended up dropping a 6-3 decision to the Wildcats on one of the wildest of endings in a postseason game.
In the state tournament opener, the Marblehead boys only had one hit, but they took advantage of some Lynn Classical mistakes to come away with the close win.
“Both pitchers (sophomore Madden Lyons for Marblehead and Mark Walsh for the Rams) were amazing, and both went the distance that took only 90-minutes to complete,” said coach Mike Giardi. Lyons (4 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts) got the win on the mound for the Magicians after going all seven innings. Second baseman Ethan Harwood, the team’s leadoff hitter, was credited with the lone Marblehead single in the game, while also knocking in a run. The Magicians scored both of their runs in the third inning.
For details on the Milton game, visit MarbleheadCurrent.org.
Annual Cod and Whale auction kicks off with first-look party
BY MARIELLE SABBAG
Marblehead residents
Amy and Alf Wilson decided to do something new for their date night on Friday, May 29. For the first time, they went to the annual Cod and Whale first-look party held at Abbot Hall.
With dozens of other locals attending, the couple marveled at the 55 cod and 12 whale art pieces on the tables.
Amy Wilson said her favorite cod design was a deck of cards.
“An event like this is a rare chance to get to know neighbors and see creativity,” she said.
The annual Cod and Whales event kicks off a townwide auction raising money for the Marblehead Festival of Arts. Artists decorate 21x7 inch wooden cods and 55X15 inch versatex whales. The artworks will be on display in stores and restaurants around town until the bidding wraps up July 5.
“I started the first look party in 2024 so people could see the cods and whales up close before they’re displayed in local stores,” said Cynda Rohmer, festival president.
“This is a beloved event for the festival,” Rohmer continued. “It is one of the top income generators to support the yearly budget to support the festival every year.” Designs ranged from a picture of a swan scene, a New England kitchen and a whale with an octopus on it.
Bethany Ross, a Marblehead resident, was excited to be involved as an artist for the first time this year. She created both a cod and a whale from the
in
the
“(This event) brings so much creativity and fun to the town. The Festival of Arts is always such a magical time for Marblehead,” Ross said. Locals walked around observing the art and sipping wine. They chatted with the artists, learning the stories behind different pieces.
History buff and Marblehead resident Gregg Hanscom created two cod designs this year. One was designed like the 1776 flag, and the other as a
Nantucket lightship. In a previous year, Hanscom said he displayed lights on a cod with a lighthouse on it.
“We need events like this to allow artists to express themselves while staying within the confines of the cod and whale shape,” Rohmer said. “They have fun with the creative concept.”
The Cod & Whales auction can be found at auction.biddingforgood. com/auction/341842832,
flowers in her backyard. She coated the pieces
resin to protect
flowers.
Abbott Hall is filled with locals looking at the cod and whale art works.
One of the whale designs by artist Bethany Ross.
CURRENT PHOTOS / MARIELLE SABBAG Marblehead resident Gregg Hanscom posing with his two cod designs, “Oh Say, Cod You See” and “Nantucket.”
From P. 4
» Year 2 (FY2028): ~$720 additional per year
Year 3 (FY2029): ~$388 additional per year
Total annual increase once fully phased in: ~$1,538 per year
By year three, the full annual increase is in place and continues going forward.
How does the voting actually work?
This is the key thing to understand.
Questions 1, 2 and 3 are different versions of the same override. Each question is voted on separately and each needs a simple majority to pass.
If more than one passes, the highest approved funding level becomes the one that takes effect.
In other words, the questions work together to determine the final funding level. They do not automatically add together as separate increases. Voting ‘yes’ on additional questions only moves the town to a higher service and funding tier.
How do I vote for what I actually want?
You may vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on each question independently, in any combination you choose. Keep in mind that only the highest-funded question that
cognitive issues as well, because on Wednesday, June 20, I was pedaling my beloved ebike along Atlantic Avenue in 91 degree heat, when my rear tire exploded. I was pushing the bike along the roadside, under the blistering sun gasping for breath, and considering my unattractive options, when I heard a voice inquire “Need help?”
The driver of the black Audi that stopped beside me, cleared out his trunk and back seat, and wrestled my heavy bike into his car, drove me to Dan Shuman’s cycle shop, and lugged my bike safely inside. My savior reluctantly identified himself as Eric Schobert (I am not sure of the spelling) and
Schools
From P. 5
classes reduces a student’s likelihood of graduating on time by 8%. The district has made it a priority to reverse this trend, working one-on-one with students and families to address the real-world barriers, such as transportation,
passes will take effect.
If you vote ‘yes’ on just one question and it fails, no override passes at all. Voting ‘yes’ on more than one question means that if your preferred tier does not pass, a lower tier may still pass in its place.
Here is how to vote for the outcome you want: If you want the full $15 million funding level: Vote ‘yes’ on Questions 1, 2 and 3.
If you want the $12 million level and no more: Vote ‘yes’ on Questions 1 and 2. Vote ‘No’ on Question 3.
If you want only the minimum $9 million level: Vote ‘yes’ on Question 1. Vote ‘no’ on Questions 2 and 3.
If you oppose any override: Vote ‘no’ on all three questions. Every ‘yes’ and ‘no’ combination is a valid choice. The ballot is designed to let you vote for exactly the funding level you support, no more and no less.
Question 4: The trash override
Question 4 is separate from the town and school override questions. It is a standalone yes-or-no vote about how Marblehead pays for curbside trash and recycling pickup. This question is not about whether Marblehead will continue to have trash pickup. The town will still provide curbside collection either way. Town officials have already
told me that he was an avid biker, had some connection with a bike shop, and had two blowouts last Sunday. I hope anyone who knows Eric and reads this will convey my heartfelt gratitude. Neighbors like Eric make me grateful to live in this community, challenged though it is.
Michael Elkin
(Mr. Judith Black) Prospect Street
Fox for School Committee
Editor’s note: This letter was inadvertently left out of last week’s letters section. To the editor: I am writing to express my strong support for Sarah Fox for School Committee. Sarah has consistently
mental health and school connectedness, that keep students away. That work is paying off. DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez recently wrote to Superintendent Robidoux to congratulate the district on reducing chronic absenteeism by at least five percentage points, placing Marblehead among just 55 of the state’s 351
approved a five-year contract for automated curbside collection using standardized town-issued bins.
Residents currently pay for curbside trash and recycling pickup through their property taxes.
Question 4 determines how that system would be funded going forward.
A Yes vote keeps trash collection funded through property taxes as part of the town budget.
A No vote maintains the household fee system the Board of Health has already established. Think of it as similar to a water and sewer bill: a separate annual charge billed directly to households based on the actual cost of the service, rather than folded into property taxes. Some residents prefer this approach because they believe it makes trash costs more transparent and allows households to choose whether to participate in curbside collection. There is also a financial consideration worth noting.
Under Proposition 2 1/2, annual increases to the town’s overall tax levy are capped at 2 ½%.
When trash collection is funded through the tax levy, any cost increases must compete with every other town expense within that cap. A household fee managed by the Board of Health
demonstrated the kind of leadership our schools and community need: thoughtful, courageous and willing to make difficult decisions in the best interest of students and taxpayers alike.
At a time when Marblehead Public Schools struggled to maintain long-term leadership, Sarah played a critical role in negotiating and hiring Superintendent John Robidoux. Given that Mr. Robidoux is the 10th superintendent or interim superintendent since 2005, securing stable leadership was essential for our district’s future. Sarah’s commitment to the community has not come without personal sacrifice. During her last School Committee campaign, she faced intense personal and
school districts to achieve that level of improvement (~16%).
The commissioner also asked the district to share its strategies as a model for others across Massachusetts.
Quick highlights
MHS graduation: High School Graduation is on Friday, June 5, at 6 p.m.
sits outside the tax levy entirely, similar to water and sewer fees. It can be adjusted annually to reflect actual collection costs without affecting the rest of the town budget.
If Question 4 passes: Curbside trash and recycling would continue to be funded through the tax base. Town officials estimate the cost at roughly $2.3 million annually over the five-year contract period.
If Question 4 fails:
The Board of Health has already established a direct annual household fee of $290.76 per household, billed quarterly. A reduced rate of $145 is available for qualifying lowincome households. Residents who choose not to participate in curbside pickup could instead use the Transfer Station or make other private arrangements.
Town officials note that long-term trash disposal costs are expected to rise as landfill capacity across Massachusetts continues to shrink.
Want more detail on the specific costs?
The Select Board’s full Article 29 Override Presentation, dated May 8, 2026, is available on the town website. Visit marbleheadma.gov, go to the Select Board page, and look for the Override Documents section. It includes a breakdown of projected departmental funding, tax impacts and service
professional scrutiny. She also endured significant criticism throughout the 2024 teacher strike. Despite the pressure, Sarah remained focused on finding a fair and responsible solution. She helped negotiate a teacher contract that respected educators while also recognizing the town’s ongoing budget challenges and protecting Marblehead taxpayers from deeper financial strain. What stands out most about Sarah is her willingness to have difficult conversations and make tough decisions when necessary. She has been a fierce advocate for all students and has also shown meaningful leadership and allyship for Marblehead’s Jewish community in the wake of the October 7 attacks and the troubling rise in antisemitism.
Congratulations to all our graduating seniors, and good luck on your next adventure!
Senior Project presentation
High School seniors presented their Senior Projects on Friday, May 29. Senior Project is an opportunity to design an internship for career
reductions under different scenarios.
When and where do I vote?
Tuesday, June 9. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Precincts 1 and 2: Abbot Hall Precincts 3, 4, 5, and 6: High School field house, enter via the side door by the Grandstand. Early, in-person voting is also available at Abbot Hall on these days:
» Tuesday, June 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
» Wednesday, June 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday, June 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Not sure of your precinct?
Check your voter registration card or visit the Town Clerk’s page at marbleheadma.gov/townclerk before Election Day. Marblehead has navigated complicated moments before. This one just requires showing up and checking the right boxes. See you at the polls.
Margaret Bacon is the founder and senior editor of VeryCoolfacts. com, home of a free weekly newsletter, and Safe Harbor Media Group, an educational media platform built around verified, insight-driven storytelling. Her work explores history, science, culture, and the enduring patterns of human behavior that shape how we think and act today. She has lived in Marblehead for 40 years.
Sarah Fox understands that serving on the School Committee is not about politics or pleasing special interests. It is about protecting the welfare of our children, supporting strong schools and ensuring accountability and stability for the entire community. She is not afraid to stand up to powerful interests, including teachers unions, when she believes it is necessary to serve the best interests of students.
Marblehead needs leaders with integrity, resilience and courage. Sarah Fox has proven she possesses all three, and I wholeheartedly support her candidacy for School Committee.
Sincerely,
discovery and community service and transition from the classroom to gaining real-world experience. We want to extend a special thank you to all our seniors who chose to spend their time in the schools getting hands-on experience in education, and helping students who will one day create senior projects of their own.
Fair share supplemental budget funding
Superintendent Robidoux and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
Julia Ferreira worked with Rep. Jenny Armini and Sen. Brandon Creighton to secure additional funding through the Fair Share Amendment. The grant totaled $66,420, including $40,700 for
bus cameras, $15,720 for culinary arts at MHS and $10,000 invested in our music program for grades four through 12. We deeply appreciate the efforts of our administration and representatives on Beacon Hill to help invest in our students, particularly during this tight budget season. Thank you! School calendar update Superintendent Robidoux recommended moving the approved professional development day from March 29 to Friday, March 19, based on educator feedback. The School Committee approved the change. There is no school for students on that day. Melissa Clucas and Henry Gwazda are members of the School Committee’s communication subcommittee.
Arielle Kingsbury Overlook Road
Carole A. Hartling, 90
Carole A. Hartling, beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Marblehead community, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 90 years old. Born in Troy, New York, in 1934, Carole graduated from Lansingburgh High School and soon embarked on a career in the airline industry. It was during this time she met her late husband, George H. Hartling.
James Stevenson Munro
Jr., 100
James Stevenson Munro Jr. died on May 14, 2026, at his home in Nahant, surrounded by family.
Born 100 years ago in Bennington, Vermont, on Jan. 29, 1926, he was the oldest of five children to James Stevenson Munro and Violet Powell Munro of Newton, Massachusetts. He spent his childhood between Newton; Pictou County, Nova Scotia; and Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
In later years, he loved spending time with his mother and family at her home in Ocho
Dolly G. Reilly, (Linda), 81
Dolly G. Reilly, (Linda), 81, of Marblehead, passed away unexpectedly on April 27, 2026, after complications related to a fall. Dolly was born on July 9, 1944, in Elgin, Illinois, to Orval and Marie Graening and earned her “nickname,” which became her proper name, from her father, who said she reminded him of a beautiful “dolly”. Dolly earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Michigan State University, majoring in dance, and her Master’s degree in physical education, from Smith College.
While at Michigan State, Dolly was an accomplished athlete and member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She was extremely proud to have earned a spot on the Michigan State Cheerleading squad her freshman year, beating out over 1,000 candidates. She would go on to cheer in the
Tom Morris, 61
Tom Morris died unexpectedly on May 25, Memorial Day. He was born in Burlington, Vermont on April 25, 1965, and grew up in Marblehead. He went to the Gerry, Story, Roads, Seaside and Bell schools and graduated from Marblehead High School in 1983; later going to college at Johnson State College in Vermont before moving to Reading, Vermont,
Their shared love of travel took them to many cities and states across the country before they eventually settled in Marblehead in 1960. There they raised
Rios, Jamaica. Among his many endeavors was an abiding and deep love of learning; he was a lifelong student. He graduated from Phillips Academy, the Naval Academy at Northwestern University, Williams College, MIT, Suffolk Law School, and in his 50s he attended St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada.
In the 1940s, he served as
1966 Rose Bowl for Michigan State and land on the cover of Cheerleader USA Magazine. In addition to cheerleading, Dolly was a competitive swimmer and synchronized swimmer at the collegiate level.
Her junior year in college, Dolly was set up on a blind date with a PhD student from Newton named Bob Reilly. The midwestern girl was initially skeptical of the northeastern boy’s quiet temperament and unusual sense of humor, but his persistence and clever wit slowly won her over. Dolly and Bob were married on July 9, 1966, in her hometown of Elgin.
Dolly remained the love of his life, confidant and partner for 57
where he lived for the rest of his life. He lived in a house next to a brook where you cross a wooden
their three daughters: Erin Seymour (Will) of Sandwich, Susan Hartling of Los Angeles, California; and Leah Feingold (Judd) of Marblehead.
Carole was deeply involved in her community. In her early years in Marblehead, she generously volunteered her time and energy with several local organizations, including My Brother’s Table, The Harbor Women’s Club, Catholic Services and the Abbot Public Library. Through her work with Catholic Services, she played a meaningful role in helping relocate international families to Marblehead and surrounding
ensign and navigator on the USS James E. Kyes, a Gearing class destroyer protecting America in the Pacific during World War II. During the 1950s and 1960s, he worked for United Shoe Machinery Corporation before joining Munro Drydock to refit navy ships in Boston Harbor. He then worked for Roy B. Rendle & Company to help erect the Prudential Center among other regional projects. He often shared that this had been his favorite job, and it was through this hands-on work that his passion for engineering flourished.
In the 1970s, he purchased Essex Engineering in Lynn, a manufacturer of jet engine tools and parts for General Electric that currently continues to fuel American industry under his youngest son Robert’s management and ownership.
years, providing a heroic level of care until the night of his passing in the summer of 2023. Dolly had many personal accomplishments, but her real love was her family. She was a loving, caring, competitive, involved and impactful presence in the lives of her daughter, Melissa, and her son, Matthew, and subsequently her grandchildren Lachlan, Skylar and Elsie. She was a dedicated mother and then “Grammy” of athletes, spending most of her days driving someone to and then cheering them on at a swim meet, water polo match, lacrosse game or baseball game. An accomplished swimmer herself, her love for the water and competitive nature permeated down to both her children as well as her grandchildren. In addition to swimming, she had a love of playing squash which then translated into tennis, and she played for many years on the Bass River tennis team, as well as in many tournaments at the Corinthian Yacht Club. One of her greatest joys was playing with her daughter in many summer tennis tournaments.
footbridge to get to the house. In Marblehead, he was a legendary rebel and daredevil — the first kid in his generation to get a motorcycle and a tattoo. He was famous for being the only kid to do swan dives off the 37 ft.-high Nelson’s Ledge at the Gloucester quarries. He organized keg parties at Brown’s Island at high tide and rowed the kegs away in a dinghy before the Stacey Clark could get there to break the parties up. He was an accomplished carpenter, starting work with Bill MacKenzie at age 14 after school
towns. Her professional life was as vibrant and engaging as she was. Carole began working as a tour guide at the House of the Seven Gables in Salem, where her natural talent for storytelling and her passion for history came to life. She later continued her work independently, offering historical tours across the North Shore for several prominent tour companies. Her dedication and love for sharing stories of the past continued until her retirement in 2022.
Carole is survived by her brother, Joseph Cunningham (Judy) of Troy, New York; her three daughters; seven grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. Her warmth, intellect and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
James found many ways to express and share his love of the sea. He was a member of the Eastern Yacht Club since 1956. Owner of both sail and power boats of increasing range, he spent many years cruising along the eastern seaboard with family and friends, exploring Bermuda, the Cape and Islands, Maine, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He fell in love with Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy, where he eventually established a second home. Most recently, he and his wife Wendy spent months in the winters on cruises, visiting all seven continents. In addition to yachting and traveling, he enjoyed mountain climbing, scuba diving, computer science and carpentry; his home was a workshop, and he always had a project afoot. He became a friend of Bill W.
One of her largest tennis accomplishments was placing fourth in 2010 at the SuperSenior USTA Nationals in Arizona with her team. In her later years, Dolly moved her focus to tap dancing, where she found joy and great friendships practicing and performing. She said many times that tap dancing saved her life when things seemed hard.
Dolly used her degrees to pursue a lifelong love of teaching and instruction. Over her career, she worked at Boston University, the Marblehead YMCA, Marblehead High School, Manchester High School and numerous other academic and athletic institutions. She was also an amazing and accomplished swim instructor. Her students included members of her family, novice swimmers, division 1 collegiate athletes and even Olympians. While sports played a major role in her life, she also had a passion for the Girl Scouts, knitting, baking and traveling.
Dolly is remembered as a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, friend and athlete. Fiercely loyal,
and during vacations. Most recently he was the foreman of a construction crew, building some of the most beautiful houses in Vermont.
Tom was captain of the 1982 State Champion MHS Soccer Team, known for his indefatigable leadership and hard work on the field. As a teenager, he once entered a 5-mile running race on a whim and won it, without having ever trained. He was also a great skier, having raced for Okemo and Pico mountains and continuing at Johnson State at Smuggler’s Notch.
Please join us in celebrating Carole Hartling’s life on Friday, June 26, noon to 3 p.m. at The Landing Restaurant in Marblehead. Given Carole’s Love of reading, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Abbot Public Library at abbotlibrary.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
in 1981 and for his remaining 45 years he mentored and helped many others to achieve and maintain sobriety. He is survived by his wife Wendy Bailey Munro, their two children Tess Bauta and Angela Munro, and six of his seven children from his previous marriage to Margery Bunce Munro: Katherine Munro, James Munro III, Elizabeth Munro, Thomas Munro (deceased), Robert Munro, Sarah Murray and Emily Osgood. He also leaves 19 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren. He will always be remembered and deeply loved by his prolific family and a circle of friends stretching all around the world.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, which maintains the Thomas B. Munro Memorial Shoreline on Grand Manan Island.
straight-forward, humorous and ever-present, she will be immensely missed. When asked by her grandson in a “family member interview” how she wanted to be remembered, her answer was that she “would like people to remember that she was a good person and she loved her family.” Both have easily been accomplished.
Dolly is survived by her daughter Melissa; son Matthew; daughter in-law Krista; grandchildren Lachlan Hartshorn, Skylar Hartshorn and Elsie Reilly; sister Vicky Harbeck, sister in-law Paula Horner and numerous nephews. There will be a burial service on Thursday, June 18, at Waterside Cemetery in Marblehead at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the Corinthian Yacht Club from 12-3 p.m. Please feel free to attend either or both. If you are so inclined, in lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity or organization that is important to you and think of Dolly. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for the Reilly family.
They say that true Vermonters would rather stay in Vermont than reside in heaven, and Tom is assuredly one of those people. He loved being in the woods, stalking a buck, four wheeling or riding his snow mobile through the woods. He was a backwoodsman and accomplished horticulturist, cultivating premium cannabis for over 40 years.
Tom leaves his mother, Betsy; daughter, Nicole; brother, Peter and family; and beloved partner Marianne Lynch. He was predeceased by his sister Chrissy and his father Monty.
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