Vote YES for Reading is a nonpartisan municipal ballot question committee advocating for the passage of the $6.5M Prop. 2 1/2 override on November 3rd.
We are committed to providing accurate information about the override in order to empower voters to make the most informed decision on or before November 3rd. We will share information here on our website, as well as on our social media pages on both Instagram and Facebook, including data, video clips, and posts from Town of Reading officials about the implications on this important vote.
VOTE
NOVEMBER 3, 2026 at RMHS
Why Does Reading Need This?
Due to both Proposition 2 ½ and rising costs, town revenues can’t keep up with operational needs.
Due to a MA law called Proposition 2 1/2, no matter how much costs rise, Reading’s primary revenue source—property tax—only increases 2.5% a year.
When budget needs outpace the available levy, voters can be asked to approve an override.
Over time, inflation has regularly exceeded the law’s 2.5% property tax limit, and Reading has had to increasingly rely on free cash to balance the operating budget and fund our schools, public safety, and municipal services.
Accommodated costs have increased over $9M more than the expected 2.5% increase since FY20. (source)
It is not sustainable to continue to rely on free cash to balance the operating budget for FY28 and beyond.
The Reading Select Board unanimously agreed on the need for an override and finalized the decision to place an operational override of $6.5 million on the state election ballot, held on November 3, 2026.
Informational Videos from the Town’s Override Hub
What is an override?
Override Details
Override Impact
Financial Stewardship
Official town presentations, municipal budget documents, Select Board minutes, and informational materials regarding the November 3, 2026 operational override are maintained and publicly available directly on the Town of Reading website.
Official Town of Reading Information
Links to official Town Proposition 2½ Override page (readingma.gov)
What your “YES” vote helps protect.
A “NO” vote means real cuts.
Stand up for Reading. Support those who support us!
Reading Teachers Association (RTA) Endorsement Statement
The Reading Teachers Association encourages all Reading residents to vote YES on the operational override of $6.5 million on November 3rd, 2026.
Through years of investments, the Reading Public Schools have provided an excellent public education that attracts families to this community. As educators, we see firsthand how those investments at every level equip students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need for life after graduation. However, because of the structural deficit facing the town, the high quality of education in Reading is now at risk. If the override fails, the schools will face significant cuts to programs and personnel that will deeply impact our students for years to come.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve seen it said many times in various forums that “Reading must learn to do more with less.” However, given the size of the structural deficit facing our town, there is simply no way to make the cuts needed without making sacrifices that undermine our students’ learning conditions. When cuts are made to schools, difficult choices have to be made between meeting state requirements, satisfying legal obligations, and maintaining the programs and services that define Reading Public Schools.
Reasonable class sizes that allow educators to provide individualized attention to all students are at stake. This includes a diverse and unique range of course offerings at all levels, including Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes that allow students to earn college credit, Innovation Pathways courses that empower students to develop career readiness, and elementary specials like art, music, and physical education that make learning engaging and enriching for our students at a time when play and creativity are crucial developmental skills; library and media specialists when our town has placed a renewed emphasis on the science of reading and literacy; and the myriad of systems and support that protect students from falling through the cracks. Educators commit their careers to investing in their students’ futures, but we cannot continue to “do more with less.”
Current projections estimate that over 40 school positions would be cut as part of the $3-4 million reduction needed, including a baseline estimate of 15 educators and 20 paraprofessionals. This would include other measures to offset reductions that leave many programs vulnerable and will directly impact students and families.
The RTA does not make this endorsement lightly. We understand the real financial strain residents face as the cost of living has significantly increased over the years. We know the state needs to do more to address the systemic problems of school funding and release more state funds to ease the burden on Massachusetts residents. But until that happens, the Town of Reading will face the same structural problem as many other towns. Ultimately, only Reading residents can decide to sustain and protect our public schools and services.
On November 3rd, voting yes on the override means investing to maintain the high standard of education that all Reading students deserve.