As Southampton prepares to vote on a Proposition 2½ override for William E. Norris School, it’s critical to understand this isn’t a failure of budgeting— it’s exactly how the system is designed to work. Proposition 2½ was passed in 1980 to limit the growth of property taxes, but it wisely included a democratic safeguard: the local override. It allows residents to decide when additional investment is necessary to protect essential services. That’s not a loophole — it’s the process. The $897,069 override request is not about expanding programs. It’s about maintaining existing services in the face of rising, unavoidable costs: $311,706 in contractual salary obligations, $284,258 for special education mandates, $119,847 for shared administrative costs, $167,959 loss of federal REAP and Circuit Breaker funding. Without this override, Norris will lose the equivalent of 10 full-time positions, resulting in larger class sizes, reduced programming, and fewer supports for students.

This is not optional. These are real consequences for our kids — and our community. Strong schools help maintain property values and the character of our town. Even for those without school-age children, a vote yes is a vote for a stronger Southampton. Proposition 2½ gives us the chance to decide what kind of town we want to be. Let’s use that voice to protect what matters most. Vote ‘yes’ on the Norris School override. Jon Lumbra is Vice Chair of the Southampton Select Board and Chair of the Southampton School Committee.

Jon Lumbra, vice chair of the Southampton Select Board

Southampton