I have lived in Easthampton since 2010 and I work as a school psychologist in a neighboring public school district. I care deeply about this community and strongly support public services, equity, and protecting the most vulnerable residents. I currently serve on the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Community Preservation Act Committee, and I am also involved with the Mountain View School (MVS) Council and the Strategy for District Improvement Committee for Easthampton Public Schools. My work and community involvement are grounded in values of transparency, data-driven decision-making, efficiency, strong systems, equity, and inclusion.
As the June 9 override vote approaches, many of us are feeling frustrated, angry, anxious, or simply exhausted. Those emotions are understandable. This debate is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It is about values, priorities, and what kind of community we want to be. Our property tax rate is currently ranked 17th out of 20 communities in Hampshire County, meaning that Easthampton’s tax rate is lower than most surrounding communities. This context is important as we consider what it takes to sustain the schools and public services that make our community strong.
There are legitimate concerns and questions about affordability, transparency, long-term planning, and whether city leadership has done enough to control costs or pursue structural reforms. We also have many questions about health insurance costs, state funding formulas, municipal priorities, and whether different budget decisions should have been made years ago.
These questions matter and they should continue to be asked regardless of how anyone votes.
At the same time, the override debate is happening within a very immediate reality: Easthampton is facing a significant budget gap, and the failure of the override will lead to major cuts to our schools and municipal services.
For schools, the consequences of an override failure will be “catastrophic” based on the reporting by Superintendent Michelle Balch and the School Committee, resulting in larger class sizes, reduced staffing by 20%, fewer supports for students, and the loss of all non-required classes (art, band, chorus, etc.), sports, and other extracurricular activities; essentially all services that are not legally mandated. I’ve heard many comments about the city leadership using fear tactics to get people to vote. However, it isn’t fearmongering when the fear is real. These programs and staff will be cut, and that will create lasting damage. As community members, we should absolutely be worried about the consequences.
And while some families may be able to compensate privately for lost services through private tutoring and sports leagues, many others will not, which raises concerns not just about educational quality, but about equity. When public systems shrink, unequal access grows, impacting the most vulnerable populations.
The same concerns extend beyond the schools, including reductions to senior transportation, meal programs, and other city services, ultimately shifting costs and burdens onto individuals and families who are already struggling.
None of this means people should stop demanding accountability. We should continue to advocate for stronger financial planning, clearer communication from city leadership, alternative options to lower health insurance costs, and budget priorities that protect direct community services first.
For me, like many friends and community members, there are multiple truths. I feel frustrated with the process, I’m worried about affordability, and I’m disappointed in government decisions, and I know that our community cannot absorb the proposed cuts without lasting damage on the most vulnerable members in our community. I hope others will join me in voting “yes” on June 9 while continuing to demand the accountability and long-term planning our community deserves.
Kira Henninger lives in Easthampton.