Two property tax increases on Needham ballot

Needham voters will consider two override questions on April 10.

A $21 million operating override will convert High Rock elementary into a sixth-grade center. The School Committee says the renovation is necessary to ease overcrowding at Pollard until the district can afford to build a brand new middle school.

Also on the ballot is a $1.1 million operating override to avoid laying off nine teachers. The override also will add three elementary teachers to handle the increasing enrollment in the youngest grades.

The operating override will add $109 to the tax bills for the average homes assessed at $682,000. The High Rock renovation will cost homeowners $3,200 over the 20-year loan.

The FY08 budget developed by Superintendent Daniel E. Gutekanst restores the Science Center cut after last year’s failed $1.48 million operating override. The Finance Committee has acknowledged it found a way to salvage the teaching positions without an override. But to do so would keep the Science Center on the chopping block.

-- Lauren K. Meade