Why South Hadley needs an override

South Hadley is facing a structural budget problem that has been building for years. Revenues have not kept pace with costs, state aid has become a smaller share of the budget, federal pandemic funds have ended, and the result is a growing gap that threatens schools, public safety, town services, and the quality of life residents count on.

The Budget Task Force concluded that there is no single fix, but recommended an override as the most immediate revenue option to maintain sustainable service levels while minimizing cuts.

The challenge in plain numbers

$3.5M Projected budget gap next year (FY27)

$10.5M Projected gap by FY2030–31

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Compare the real choices

South Hadley’s Budget Task Force found that maintaining current service levels would require roughly $9–11 million over the next several years. This compares the two stronger override options against no override at all — including the specific cuts outlined for residents if the override fails.

What each option means	$9M	$11M	No Override
Years raised over	4 years (FY27–FY30)	5 years (FY27–FY31)	None
Dollar amount raised per year	$2.5M / $2.5M / $2M / $2M	$3M / $3M / $2M / $2M / $1M	$0
Added average household monthly impact See our Tax Calculator to Estimate Your Tax Bill	$33 / $33 / $28 / $28	$40 / $40 / $28 / $28 / $14	$0
Expected level of cuts	Limited cuts	Few cuts	Major cuts in FY27 and beyond
Service outlook	Better protection for town and school services Still leaves reductions in FY27–FY30	Strongest protection of current services Comes closest to preserving service levels over five years	Larger reductions across town and schools Cuts affect daily life and are expected to repeat as the structural deficit grows
Projected FY31 outlook	$2.0M deficit	$1.5M deficit	$10.5M gap
How no override affects different parts of town
Students	Smaller override than $11M More risk of program and staffing reductions	Best chance to preserve current student services Most protection against deeper classroom and program cuts Preserve student services Best protection from deeper cuts	All sports programs eliminated All afterschool activities eliminated Music program for middle and high school eliminated 5+ critical administrative positions eliminated 15–17 student-facing positions eliminated K–1 class sizes of 25 students 2nd–4th grade class sizes of 27–30 students 5th–12th grade class sizes of 30+ students School Resource Officers cut Advanced Placement classes eliminated Possible closure of Mosier School to save some teaching positions Sports cut Afterschool cut Music cut AP cut 15–17 jobs cut Larger classes SROs cut Mosier may close
Police / public safety	Some pressure remains Limited cuts still possible	Helps maintain police staffing Supports current public safety levels	Cut 2 officer positions Slower public safety response times Delayed response time for public safety
Senior citizens	Some service pressure remains Fewer resources than under full recommendation	Best chance to preserve senior services Helps avoid deeper staffing and schedule cuts	Cut 2 staff members at Senior Center Close Council on Aging on Fridays
Public works	Some reductions may still occur Not as protective as the 5-year option	Better protection for DPW staffing and services More stability for roads, plowing, and maintenance	Cut 2 staff members at DPW Reduce road maintenance and plowing services
All residents	Some reductions still likely Town-wide services remain under strain	Strongest protection for day-to-day services Most likely to maintain current service levels for all residents	Eliminate 2 staff members at Town Hall Close Town Hall on Fridays Reduce hours: 10 positions at library Close Gaylord Library entirely Close spray parks

Override figures are based on the South Hadley Budget Task Force scenarios and the March 4, 2026 school committee budget update.

This is about protecting essential services

The case for an override is not about expanding government for its own sake. It is about preserving the services residents already rely on while giving the town and schools time to pursue new growth, more stable revenue, and long-term cost management.

South Hadley has a structural deficit

The town's operating expenses are growing faster than its revenues. Over time, the town has responded by reducing staff, cutting other expenses, and deferring repairs and capital projects. That approach is reaching its limits.

Schools are under real pressure

School costs are being driven by rising special education demands, larger class sizes, inflation, and staffing needs. The district's March 2026 budget update says class sizes commonly run 25 to 30 students and that staffing and operational capacity are strained.

Cuts would be felt town-wide

The Budget Task Force warned that budget reductions would mean fewer staff, shorter hours, slower service, and fewer programs. Public safety, DPW operations, libraries, senior services, and other community services would be hit hardest.

Why This Override Matters

What We're Fighting For

Quality Schools

The override ensures our schools have the resources they need to provide excellent education to every student.

Essential Services

From public safety to infrastructure, this override protects the services that make South Hadley thrive.

Community Strength

A stronger South Hadley means better opportunities and a brighter future for all our residents.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support the tax override effort. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word, every contribution matters.

Volunteer

See our volunteer page for the many opportunities to help out!

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Save South Hadley

Save South Hadley is a ballot committee made up of concerned citizens of South Hadley dedicated to passing a critical tax override to protect essential services in our community.