“During my four decades of service to the town of Winthrop on the local and state level, I had one priority above all: the welfare of our community. That meant fighting to make sure Winthrop Public Schools had all the resources necessary to permit our students to succeed, and to ensure public safety services could help protect our town. Nowadays I no longer serve our town in my official role. I have another important job. I am the grandfather of two granddaughters and want to make Winthrop the kind of place where they are safe and can receive a strong education.

The construction of an updated fire facility will ensure our safety—a necessity for a town that lies so close to an international airport. I always said that Winthrop is one of the best places in the entire Commonwealth to thrive. We have unparalleled resources and a strong sense of community. Voting for these measures will help us ensure that for long into the future. That’s why I’m supporting Questions 1, 2 and 3 in the Town election, Saturday, April 5th.”

— Robert DeLeo, Former Speaker of the House

“I am absolutely supporting proposition 2 1/2 override and the building of a new fire station. With four grandkids and many family members that attend Winthrop schools, I feel it is important that we provide them with a high-quality education and give them opportunities to grow and learn by having access to a variety of co-curricular and athletic activities that will benefit all of our children.

I have always said that “Winthrop is a hidden gem” and with the passing of the override, it will continue to be that, giving the young boys and girls who go to our school the best of the best in order to achieve their goals and their dreams.  Why shouldn’t the young people in our town have the best opportunities to be successful? As far as the new fire station goes, shouldn’t we have an updated facility for the safety of our community and everybody who lives here? It’s about time we replace the old fire station with a new modern building equipped to protect the community and provide our firefighters with an up-to-date and safe place to work out of. ”

— Mike Eruzione, Father & Grandfather

“As someone who has seen many positive changes in our community over the years, I believe that investing in our schools and fire department are the most critical investments for our future. The success of our children and our fire department is intertwined with the success of the Town of Winthrop as a whole. By supporting all 3 questions with a YES vote on April 5th, we are ensuring that our schools remain strong and our fire department is capable of meeting our needs. I know many of us have fixed incomes, and the idea of increased taxes can feel daunting. But I also believe that, as a community, we must come together to do what is in the best interest of us all—invest in our children, our neighbors, our town departments and our future. Voting YES on all 3 questions is one way we can make sure that our community remains a place where all generations can be safe and thrive.”

— Peter T. Gill, Past Town Council President, Senior Citizen, WHS Graduate

“Education doesn’t start in college. Education starts when you're in preschool and that’s when you learn to love learning. Kids do suffer when they are not enthusiastic and curious about learning. If they don't start now, they probably won't start when they are 20. We have a great system, working hard to reach this point.  Let's not go backward.  The worth of our community is measured in large part by the quality of our schools. We need to pass this override to successfully move forward."

— Suzanne Swope, Town Councilor

“I again need to stress that if the schools do not receive additional funding via an override, substantial cuts across every department will be required from the town side of the budget to assist the schools. We will not be able to give the schools the entire 3.5 million dollars that the schools will need for the FY26 budget, but will need to offer up more than we normally do to spread the cuts throughout the entire town and be prepared to highlight the service level drop off and any staff reductions that will occur."

— Anthony Marino, Winthrop Town Manager via Town Manager Report

“ We have been able to send WPS graduates into the world to do incredible things - become doctors, lawyers, tradespeople, leaders, educators, and those that continue Winthrop's tradition of shaping good citizens, not just good students. Regarding our firefighters, I could not be more proud to stand beside some of the bravest members of our community in this effort. Our fire stations have supported our community far longer than they should have, and while I am grateful for that, and for the efforts of current and past firefighters for making due with far less than they should have to, it is time to invest in those that invest in our community. Our fire fighters deserve a workplace that is safe, operational, and right-sized for their work.”

— Hannah Belcher, Town Councilor

“As grandparents, nothing brings us more joy than seeing our grandchildren learn, grow, and dream big. We both believe that the well-being of our community is measured by the well-being of our children—and that starts with a strong education in a safe community. When our schools and first responders have the resources they need, our children gain the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to succeed, and our firefighters are able to do their jobs safely and efficiently. Let’s invest in our children and our town—because every child deserves the best future we can give them in a healthy and vibrant community."

— Deborah Kneeland Keegan & Lary Keegan, Grandparents & Citizens

“Strong schools are the backbone of a thriving community. A well-funded school system attracts families to the area, fosters student success, and helps create a skilled workforce… A strong school system leads to economic growth, increased business investment, and a more vibrant community. The cost of underfunding education is far greater—both in lost opportunities for students and in the potential decline of our town’s appeal.”

— Brian & Karen Perrin, Former School Committee Member & Business Owner; PTC President and Parents via Winthrop Transcript

“Investing in education is one of the most important commitments a community can make. My husband and I do not have children, but we recognize that a well-educated population benefits us all, not just parents with children in school…Not every family can afford private school, and they shouldn’t have to. Public education is the great equalizer, providing every child the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. But without this tax override, our schools will face cuts that could lead to overcrowded classrooms, fewer educational programs, and diminished opportunities that could affect their futures—and ultimately, the future of Winthrop.”

—Tracey Honan, former Town Councilor via The Winthrop Transcript

“Winthrop, our schools need us! Vote YES on April 5th for the school override. This isn't just for students; it's for our whole town. Failing to pass means losing teachers, programs, class choices, and even shrinking budgets for other vital town services. I support this because a strong school system benefits everyone. I know many of you feel the same! Let’s make our voices heard. Make sure to Vote YES on April 5th, or by absentee ballot, and together, we'll ensure our schools thrive!"

— John Munson, Town Councilor, Parent & Winthrop Business Owner

“If this override does not pass, the devastation of the cuts would put our children at a significant disadvantage… Our school system should be a source of pride for our community, as it lays the foundation for our children's education and the choices they will make in their continued learning.

— Kathleen Coffey, Business Owner & Grandparent

“How will we ever reinstate our school band program, offer competitive AP and language courses, or prioritize the arts and music if we are constrained by a budget that falls perpetually farther from meeting its most basic needs? …We need to support our students and give them all the opportunities we possibly can to develop into smart, well-rounded individuals. These programs teach students responsibility, accountability and teamwork. These are the skills we want in our community members and we are so grateful to our Superintendent for recognizing this!”

— Cassie Witthaus & Julia Wallerce via The Winthrop Transcript

“Winthrop has a long history of being a great place to raise a family. Our town seal boasts, “First Church, First Schoolhouse”!   Why throw that impressive legacy away? Please vote Yes on questions 1, 2 and 3 on April 5th so that today's - and tomorrow's - young families can continue to enjoy all the wonderful things that families have enjoyed here in Winthrop for generations. It's up to all of us to keep that proud tradition going."

— David Correll, Parent & Winthrop Citizen

“As a former Winthrop teacher for 12 years and a parent of a severely disabled child, I whole-heartedly support the overrides for the schools. Due to shrinking budgets and increases in inflation, I received 8 lay-off notices during  my tenure in Winthrop…I witnessed cuts after cuts in programs and the elimination of critical aspects of the curriculum including: developmental reading for all middle school students, art, music, home economics, woodworking, metals and K Period activities. Also needed repairs and maintenance of the old Middle School were often cut due to the budget cuts.  

As a special needs parent, I can only thank Lisa Howard and other school leaders in the past for providing my son the services that he needed. I realize that his educational programs were costly, but are the needs of special needs students to be put in jeopardy because of budgetary issues? What will happen to the current special needs students if the override doesn't pass?

— Ralph Tufo, Parent, Musician, Author & Playwright

“I have always felt that a good grade school education is critical and an important base for our society. It is the responsibility of the government and the communities we live in to provide this to the kids.…I know a young teacher who started their career in a different school system and was miserable. Terrible culture with no support from the administration. Now, going into their 2nd year here in Winthrop, they are much happier with a noted difference in the school culture. A happy and motivated workforce is important for any organization, school system, business or other. Let’s give the school system the base funding they need to keep a good school system and positive culture in place?”

— Fred Loomis via The Winthrop Transcript

“ I want my grandchildren to not have huge class sizes and to grow up in a community with a positive feeling where they believe the Winthrop community cares that they, public school students, can have a good education. I know that some things—things all schools should have, and wealthier schools do have—such as a second language offered much earlier (even with a choice of a few languages) and band, are things our kids don't have now. The prospect of further program cuts, huge class sizes, and the loss of invaluable classroom assistants is an agonizing situation that I don't want to see happen!”

— Carol Walker, Grandparent

“I’m immensely proud to be a part of the Drama Society, the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams, along with various other clubs that make this school such a vibrant place. For years, I’ve found joy and purpose in the classrooms, on the stage, and on the track. The exceptional classes, programs, teachers, and opportunities here at WHS have played a pivotal role in my life. But, with the current funding crisis, future students might not get the same experiences I’ve had.”

— Chelsea Long, Junior, WHS

“Even though I am graduating this year, I care about your vote on the override for our schools because I want my sister and cousins who will still be in Winthrop schools to have the same opportunities I had. If the override does not pass, many class sizes will increase because of teacher cuts, and students will not get the same level of personal attention. Also, sports and other extra curriculars could be cut. ”

— Nick Cappuccio, Senior, WHS

“I’m a junior at WHS as well as a teacher at the Winthrop Yacht Club Sailing Program. The majority of my students attend Winthrop schools, including my two younger brothers. Their education is incredibly important to me. I feel a deep sense of urgency about this funding crisis because every child deserves access to a fair education. And personally, as a child, there’s nothing I can do. Please vote for your children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, godchildren, cousins, younger siblings, students, athletes, neighbors, & employees. To give the next generation the opportunities and future they deserve!”

— Gemma O’Dwyer, Junior, WHS