Supporters Will Highlight Why They Say an Override is Needed Today

To give residents a glimpse into the life of a Glover School student or teacher, the Glover School Building Committee will give tours of the school today.

"A couple of years ago when funding was needed to repair the Village School, the school was opened up for tours," said School Committee and Glover Building Committee Chair Patricia Blackmer. "It seemed to be a good way to reach out."

Today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents are welcome to join a tour of the antiquated school led by Blackmer, architects working with the building committee and PTO parents. 

"When people walk in, they are going to see nothing has changed," Blackmer said. "For people who have never been in the school, we want to show them what it's like and why we are looking for money to improve it."

The Glover School's main building opened in 1916. Walls and doors are cracked. The school's heating and ventilation systems are so old replacement parts aren't available anymore. Classrooms are too small, according to state standards. The schools two buildings are not handicapped accessible. There's no cafeteria and student bathrooms are located in the basement. 

At Town Meeting last month, residents overwhelmingly approved a plan to build a new Glover School on the same site. Voters will get to vote on the nearly $29 million project on June 15. 

The  state has committed to paying 40 percent. The remaining $17.6 million would be paid for by the override – which would increase property taxes by $126.55 a year (for the median home valued at $512,000) for 20 years.

The new school would hold 425 students in kindergarten through grade three, who  currently attend the Glover and Eveleth Schools, and open in September 2013.  (The Eveleth School would be used for extra classroom space for now.)

"A number of families grew up and raised families here," Blackmer said. "For people who grew up and attended the Glover School decades ago, it will be striking how much it hasn't changed."

If you can't make today's tour, a second series of tours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m.