The past polls have been clear (see results by using the pull down menus on the polling page.) 

According to the budget presented at the March 4th BOS Meeting, the Open Space contribution has  been cut  by $30,000, despite the 1999 town meeting vote that 1/2 mil be annually contributed to that fund. Last year's contribution to Open Space was $130,000; this year's requested contribution is $100,000, a 23.08% reduction.  That contribution, like all other aspects of the town budget, is subject to further reductions by the Board of Finance, but at this point, there is still a proposed $100,000 contribution to the Open Space Land Acquisition Fund on the table for FY 2010-11.

The Library budget is pennies, and our town library functions significantly from the efforts of the Friends of the Douglas Library. 

With time running short, it's time for a new poll, and it's a tough question:  The town budget is coming in a 0% increase, in line with the BOS/BOF request.  Let's say the BOE comes in with a 0% increase, but still includes all-day Kindergarten, a non-required program.  Will you support that budget?  Vote now!

We received the following summary of the 2/18/10 BOS Meeting from a resident in attendance, and wanted to pass along the information.

Before we begin that summary, the resident issued a word of caution:  NEVER sit in the back of the room when meetings are held at the Douglas Library!  It’s almost impossible to hear, even though microphones are set up.

My name is Donna McCalla, and my username on this site is DSAdmin.  The last I remember, because it’s been such a long time, my “title” was Spokesperson for Hebron Dollars and Sense.

Just a few months ago, members of Hebron Dollars and Sense actually discussed disbanding and removing the website.  But with the holidays and some personal health issues, we never got around to making that final decision.

Then, about two weeks ago, January 28th to be exact, we (or at least I) began receiving phone calls and emails from parents and residents troubled about next year’s budget (FY 2010-2011).

After 5 peaceful years, just when our trust was rebuilding, guess what happens?  The "Silver Era Scare Tactics" start up again!

Today, Elementary parents all received the following email from the school system:

Sent: Monday, February 8, 2010 1:30:37 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Meeting tonight with the BOS/BOF

We were just notified that this evening's meeting may result in the BOS/BOF requesting the district revise our budget to 0%.  Community members, parents and staff are encouraged to come to the meeting to voice their thoughts.  The meeting will be held tonight, Monday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the Douglas Library.  Thank you.

WRONG! This meeting was discussed verbally in advance and is clearly stated in the letters that went out to the BOE and RHAM Boards last week.  We posted those letters on Tuesday, February 2 on this site.  The Town posted notice of the meeting on Friday, February 5.

So imagine the attention-getting, but hoped for, panic with the opening line "we were just notified..."  At 1:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting, and at least a full week since the Board members (including the Superintendents in Marlborough and Andover) were notified?

What probably happened is that the D&S poll on Hebron residents wanting a 0% increase has grown to 109 out of 123 votes, or 88.6%.  If anything is driving the panicky email blasts, it's probably the research-driven analysis we're doing on the all-day versus half-day Kindergarten and its long-term effects and value.  And we haven't even "advertised" that the research is available!  It's spread by word of mouth!