Boards weigh delaying $93M Essex school vote to April
Select Board · Meeting of September 17, 2026
Manchester-by-the-Sea officials fear residents aren't ready for a $93 million school vote this fall. The Select Board and Finance Committee, meeting jointly September 17, said little public awareness exists around the Manchester Essex Regional School District's Essex Elementary School project, with Finance Committee Chair Sarah Mellish admitting, "I'm chair of the Finance Committee, and to be honest, I have no clue." Officials estimated the town could add roughly $90 million in debt within a year if the project proceeds, on top of about $32 million approved last town meeting. A separate $7 million Senior Community Center request would require $3 million in private donations, held by the Essex County Community Foundation, before the town could borrow; organizers reported just seven donor commitments so far.
Both boards scheduled a joint meeting for October 5 to review final cost estimates before deciding what goes on the November warrant.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,988 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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