Walpole Votes For Debt Exclusion For Combined Middle School

WALPOLE, MA - Walpole voters Tuesday night approved the debt exclusion for the appropriation of about $116 million for construction of a new combined middle school in the only question on the ballot by more than 60 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Walpole Town Clerk's office received at 10 p.m.

The project for the state-of-the-art facility is anticipated to cost $115,768,814, which necessitated the debt exclusion request for demolition, site preparation and other ancillary project expenses. The MSBA approved a grant of up to $38 million toward the project, with the estimated town cost at about $78 million.

A total of 6,489 votes were cast. Precinct 7 had the highest turnout of the eight precincts with 778 votes, 495 in favor of the debt exclusion.

In Precinct One, the vote was 476-280 in favor. Precinct Two approved the measure by a 594-330 margin. Precinct Three cast 498 affirmative votes, compared to 364 no votes. Precinct Four approved the measure by a 502-253 margin, while Precinct Five's count was 437-256. Precinct Six tallied 402 yes votes to 376 in opposition. Precinct Eight's margin was 495-254.

The new three-story structure would have a floor for each grade level, with each floor divided into three teams that would have access to science and technology laboratories for STEAM education. There will also be space for athletic activities and community performances.

Now that the project can move forward, the town can contemplate the fate of the Johnson Middle School building once it becomes defunct. Suggestions include space for the food pantry or the Recreation Department.