Ipswich override passes by 563 votes

Buoyed by a parent-led campaign that led to a voter turnout of 5,140, the $1,491,000 Proposition 2 ½ override for the Ipswich schools passed by 563 votes at Tuesday's town election, 2,831-2,268.

This is the second year the town has passed an override; in 1990 it passed three -- all for operating budgets -- including one for schools.

Three operational overrides for Ipswich schools have failed during school superintendent Rick Korb's 10-year tenure.

"I'm proud of our community, happy for the kids, and appreciative of the Turn the Tide group that put this whole thing together," said Korb.

The push from parents concerned about cuts in personnel and programs led the School Committee to seek the override, which was supported by the well-organized Turn the Tide: Vote Yes! committee, which urged residents to support the override with pamphlets, e-mails, and phone calls.

"They were focused, had a consistent message, were factually driven, and respectful of the opposition," said Korb. "This was a tough sell. The Ipswich housing market has tanked, gas is $4 a gallon, and some people are losing jobs. To have the community say, 'That may be the case, but we're not going to let out schools go into decline,' is very rewarding."

With passage of the override, an estimated $285 will be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $515,732.

-- David Rattigan