By Alan Burke
Staff writer
—
MARBLEHEAD — It had all the buildup of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
But Wyatt Earp never showed at last night's meeting of the selectmen. Instead, the board listened in relief as School Committee Chairwoman Patricia Blackmer told them she had no intention of asking for a Special Town Meeting in the fall to replace Glover School.
More than that, she promised a renewed effort to build a school that might cost less than the nearly $30 million project that voters rejected only last June.
"We are interested in the most cost-effective project for the town," Blackmer said, explaining that she'd met with Katherine Craven of the state's School Building Authority yesterday morning. "She is encouraging us to do a little bit more investigation of the site."
Craven also echoed remarks by State Treasurer Tim Cahill, who oversees the authority and told The Salem News on Tuesday that he thought Marblehead could still win 40 percent reimbursement from the state if it put off a vote until next year. Previously, some had suggested that a vote must come this fall.
"They'd like us to be successful," Blackmer said of the authority.
Urging an approach she has championed consistently, Blackmer expressed enthusiasm for measured, careful consideration of the project. "This is certainly a worthwhile discussion."
One snag in her approach, however, might be the need for up to $100,000 to finance more study.
"I'm very happy I'm not being asked to approve a Special Town Meeting," Selectman William Woodfin said.
"I would not have been in favor of it," Jackie Belf-Becker said.
Selectman Judy Jacobi declared that she would have voted it down, as well. Chairman Jim Nye had previously expressed doubts about attempting a tax override vote after the same measure had been defeated by the voters, albeit narrowly, as recently as June.
Yet, Woodfin also wondered at the town's ability to find $100,000 for further study — more than $300,000 has already been raised and largely spent for that purpose.
"You are in a much better position to find it than we are," he told the school representatives.
"I'm very willing to approach the School Committee and look at our budget," Superintendent Paul Dulac said. "It's certainly not going to be easy. ... We need to scrutinize the school budget, and it's going to hurt."
Dulac told the board that 40 percent of the money for further study could also be reimbursed by the state — but Town Administrator Tony Sasso was quick to remind everyone that this would only happen if the entire project was ultimately approved.
Blackmer discussed a new program where school departments across the state can pick from generic school designs, thus saving significant architectural costs. Such designs are already in use for high schools, but Marblehead could be one of the first communities to pick from four "model" elementary schools.
"This was just rolled out (yesterday)," she said. "I think it's something Marblehead should explore."
Taking part in the new program assures an additional 5 percent of the cost from the state, bringing the Marblehead close to 40 percent.
The board praised the work of Blackmer, former school board member Amy Drinker and others involved in the project.
"I applaud you for your efforts," Belf-Becker said, adding a reference to the defeat last June. "I know you're in a difficult situation trying to make lemonade out of lemons."
