Shrewsbury voters reject another override

Shrewsbury residents have rejected a Proposition 2 1/2 override for the fourth time in four years.

In today's balloting, the "No" vote prevailed by a large margin, 5,212 to 3,545, according to according to preliminary results released last night by the town clerk's office. Voters' rejection of the $1.5 million tax increase proposal kept the town's perfect streak intact -- residents have never approved an override.

At a press conference last week, town and school officials had warned voters that, if the override failed, nine teaching positions would be eliminated and class sizes would increase. Officials also told residents to expect cuts to the Meals-on-Wheels program, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, and the library.

Opponents argued that the town's schools have been able to prosper -- hiring new staff and raising MCAS scores -- despite a failed override last year. Last May, a $5 million override was narrowly rejected in an election that drew 52 percent of the town's registered voters.

Voter turnout was lower this year, at an estimated 42 percent, officials said.

-- Lisa Kocian