CHESTER — When residents cast ballots next month, they will be asked to consider a petitioned warrant article that could change the way the school district votes.
The article could change Chester's school district voting format to the Senate Bill 2 method, where ballot voting would take place on all issues in the district instead of hosting the traditional annual school meeting in March.
A public hearing on the SB2 petitioned article is set for April 23 at 7 p.m. in the Chester Academy Media Center.
Resident Dave Clark, who initiated the SB2 petition, said he hoped people would do their research and learn as much about this voting procedure as they can before the election in May.
"I want to see as many people become informed as possible," Clark said at last month's school district meeting.
With only about 70 people showing up last month to vote and approve the school district's $11 million budget for next year — in only 45 minutes — Clark said the attendance "spoke volumes" about why a change to the SB2 method of voting would be an improvement over the current way things are done.
Chester Superintendent Dr. Victor Petzy said he hoped voters would learn as much as they could when considering SB2.
Resident Dianna Charron told the school board last month she felt the SB2 method of voting was wrong for Chester.
"We come to the meetings, we listen to the school board," she said. "This is the process we use. I think we can have a fair process. I think we have a good process and I hope we keep it that way."
At its April 2 meeting, the school board voted not to recommend the SB2 voting change.
Voting day in Chester is May 13 with polls open at the town multipurpose room from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The annual town meeting follows on May 14 at 7 p.m., also in the multipurpose room. Voters will choose town and school district officials at the polls and will consider all other business at the town meeting.
