Override Fails in Hanson Town Election, School Committee Sees Shake-Up

Town departments brace for potential cuts as $3 million override fails; Roffey and DiGravio win close race for School Committee

HANSON - May 17 - Hanson residents have voted against a $3 million tax override and chosen a new member for the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District Committee in the recent town election.

The override proposal, aimed at closing a budget deficit and adding fire fighters, was decisively rejected. Unofficial results show 1,142 voters against the measure, with 731 in favor.

In a tight race for the school committee, newcomer T.J. Roffey came out on top with 889 votes. Incumbent Glen J. DiGravio secured re-election by a narrow margin, receiving 886 votes and beating out fellow incumbent Stephen M. Cloutman, who got 831 votes.

At a forum before the vote, Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak warned of potential cuts, including 14 teachers, 6-7 paraprofessionals, and 2-3 administrators. He also mentioned the possible loss of about $500,000 in curriculum materials purchased in 2018.

Fire Chief Robert O’Brien had asked for the override to hire more firefighter-paramedics, citing increased call volumes. O’Brien pointed out that half the time, both ambulances are out of town, and the department aims to reduce response times.

In uncontested races, Ed Heal won another term on the Select Board, Jessica Franceschini became the new town clerk, and Peter Butler kept his seat on the Board of Health.