WHITMAN - Jan. 12, 2026 - Voters at Monday’s Special Town Meeting unanimously authorized the Town to take over $125.9 million in borrowing for the new Whitman Middle School project, a strategic move designed to shield taxpayers from high interest rates. In a separate vote, residents rejected a citizen petition to name the new school after the late School Committee member Frederick M. Small.
The Full Story
The primary driver for the Special Town Meeting was Article 5, a critical financial adjustment for the ongoing Middle School construction at 100 Corthell Avenue. While voters had already approved the project, the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District currently lacks a bond rating due to a data breach that delayed necessary financial audits.
Town Administrator Mary Beth Carter explained that if the District attempted to borrow the funds on its own, it would face significantly higher interest rates or potentially find no bidders at all. By shifting the borrowing authority to the Town of Whitman, which holds a stable “Aa3” bond rating from Moody’s, the town expects to secure a lower interest rate, directly saving taxpayers money on the already approved debt exclusion.
“The only thing that changes is the Town goes out to borrow with our bond rating... It results in a lower interest rate and therefore a lower cost to the town.” — Mary Beth Carter, Town Administrator [28:40]
School Building Committee Chair Beth Stafford confirmed the District is working to complete its 2024 audit but warned they would not have been ready in time for the necessary borrowing cycle in March. The Select Board and School Committee had already signed an Intermunicipal Agreement outlining the change of borrowing and how the project will proceed. The article passed unanimously [47:48].
Controversy Over School Naming
The evening’s most contentious discussion surrounded Article 9, a citizen petition to name the new middle school the “Frederick M. Small Middle School.” Small, a long-time town official who passed away in 2024, was a former School Committee member and chair of the Middle School Building Committee.
Proponents, including petitioner John Galvin, argued Small was a dedicated public servant who was instrumental in the school project’s inception.
“I can’t think of a better person that the town could honor by naming the school after Frederick Small.” — John Galvin, Petitioner [01:01:42]
However, the proposal faced sharp opposition. Resident Christopher DiOrio delivered a searing rebuke, citing Small’s history of opposing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and LGBTQ+ visibility, specifically mentioning Small’s past opposition to rainbow crosswalks and Pride flags.
“When citizens petitioned... to recognize Pride Month by donating a progressive pride flag... it was Fred Small and his band of regressives standing up against inclusion... Why not choose one of the tremendous educators who have given their lives to support these children?” — Christopher DiOrio, Resident [01:06:41]
Other residents echoed the sentiment that schools should be named after educators, not politicians. The article was ultimately defeated [01:12:27].
Why It Matters
For Whitman taxpayers, the passage of Article 5 is a significant financial shield. With interest rates remaining a key factor in municipal bonds, borrowing under the Town’s stronger credit rating rather than the District’s unrated status prevents millions of dollars in unnecessary interest payments over the life of the 30-year loan.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Article 4: Public Safety Budget Adjustments
Motion: Transfer funds to purchase a new shift commander vehicle and adjust Police/Fire budgets.
Context: Select Board Member Shawn Kain described this as a compromise to fix funding gaps left after the previous year’s failed override. Police Chief Timothy Hanlon noted this funding helps but does not fully solve staffing shortages [20:52].
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [22:29].
Article 5: Whitman Middle School Project Borrowing
Motion: Appropriate $125,938,728 for school construction, shifting borrowing authority to the Town.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [47:48].
Article 7: Fire Union Contract
Motion: Fund the contract for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028.
Amendment: Specific sum of $37,002 added.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [51:42].
Article 8: Police Union Contract
Motion: Fund the contract for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028.
Amendment: Specific sum of $35,266 added.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [57:54].
Article 9: Citizen Petition (School Naming)
Motion: Recommend naming the new school “Frederick M. Small Middle School.”
Outcome: Failed [01:12:27].
Public Comment
Budget Concerns: Resident Mary Fox questioned the high cost of cable access funding (Article 3) and expressed frustration over the perceived division between funding for schools versus senior safety.
Prior Year Bills: Residents asked questions about specific prior year bills, bills that must be paid by a vote of town meeting after the end of the fiscal year.
What’s Next
School Financing: The Town Treasurer will proceed with borrowing the funds authorized under Article 5.
Naming: The school naming rights remain open for discussion. Ultimately naming a school takes a unanimous vote of the School Committee. Suggestions from the floor included naming the gymnasium or auditorium rather than the entire building after Fred Small, or considering career educators like Beth Stafford, Thomas Evans, or Selectman Carl Kowalski.
Disclosure: South Shore News founder Justin Evans is a current member of the Whitman Select Board.
Source Video: Whitman Government TV