Wellesley voters in Tuesday’s Special Election overwhelmingly cast ballots in favor of debt exclusions to fund the construction of new Hardy and Hunnewell elementary schools. Only about one in five eligible voters cast ballots.
Here are the preliminary results as reported by the town:
- 79% Yes, 21% No on Hunnwell
- 81% Yes, 19% No on Hardy
This is based on ballots electronically tabulated. Final results will be posted at a later time and will include hand-counted ballots.
The Special Election followed Town Meeting’s approval for the projects’ construction funding in October.
The new Hunnewell and Hardy schools, slated to open in 2024, will replace outdated facilities. The schools are each being designed to accommodate up to 365 students and 18 classrooms within a 6-school district. Upham Elementary School will be closed.
The Yes for Wellesley Students outfit that urged residents to vote for both debt exclusions celebrated the results: “THANK YOU for supporting these much-needed new schools for our young learners.”
Construction costs for the schools will add up to more than $100M, according to the September Advisory presentation.
Residents will see a property tax increase as a result of the debt exclusions. We heard during Special Town Meeting that the peak median annual increase would be $753, though an online tax impact estimator will give you a better sense of your own increase.