By Grace Allen

Norfolk will hold a Special Election on February 1 to decide on a debt exclusion to fund the design of a school expansion project for the Freeman-Kennedy School. The $4.3 million request was approved at November’s Town Meeting, and the next step is a town-wide vote in order for the project to move forward.

Unlike an override, a debt exclusion raises property taxes for a period of time, usually 10 to 20 years, to fund a particular project. 

Ongoing enrollment growth has challenged both elementary schools in town. The H. Olive Day School, which houses students from pre-K through second grade, is already at capacity. The Freeman-Kennedy School, which houses students from third to sixth grade, will be out of space by 2026, according to school officials. Current projections are that the schools will need room for 200 more students by 2035.

If the project moves forward, the addition, which is estimated to cost over $37 million, will be completed by the fall of 2027.

The town has been studying for several years how to handle the expected enrollment growth in the schools. While several options have been considered, including modular classrooms, it was determined that an addition to the existing building makes the most sense, logistically and fiscally.

Several community forums were held in 2024, with the goal of engaging and educating residents on the schools’ space constraints and possible solutions.

Voting will take place on Saturday, February 1 at the Freeman-Kennedy School, 70 Boardman St. from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Early in-person voting will be held at Town Hall, 1 Liberty Lane, in the Town Clerk’s office. Days and times to vote are Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 8 a.m.to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 8 a.m.to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 23 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Monday, Jan. 27 from 8 a.m.to 8 p.m.

Visit the Town Clerk’s page on Norfolk.ma.us for more information, or to request a ballot by mail.

For more information on the Freeman-Kennedy expansion project, visit https://bit.ly/4hib33A.