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The Winchester Town Meeting Members Association (TMMA) supports informed discussion and decision-making for Town Meeting members. Its monthly Bulletin shares brief updates from town boards and commissions about their current work. Winchester News will publish each Bulletin as it’s released so all residents can stay informed. Winchester News has not edited this content.
And That’s a Wrap!
Winchester’s school year finished for students this past week after celebrating our 370 WHS graduates on June 5 and moving up for McCall eighth-graders on June 25. Our elementary schools wrapped up with field days, performances, and celebrations. Collaboration with staff to navigate the reductions required by the post-override bridge budget continues. Two key searches are underway: an Elementary Assistant Superintendent following Laurie Kirby's retirement and an Athletic Director to succeed Marc Arria, both after long tenures. On June 29, the School Committee approved a flat athletic fee of $675 for the 2026-27 school year with a family fee cap of $2,025 (three sports), following community input and further analysis. —Timothy Matthews, Chair, School Committee
Planning Board Begins Airing Fall Warrant Articles
On Tuesday, July 7, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on its proposed amendments to the zoning bylaws. Aimed at simplifying the processes and procedures for special permits and site plan reviews, the changes are largely the work of Town Planner Taylor Herman and outside consultants who wrapped up their work on June 30.
A follow-up public hearing will be held in August, with public information sessions prior to Fall 2026 Town Meeting. The proposed changes are available here. The hearing will begin at 7 p.m. and be held in the Select Board Room. —Jack LeMenager, Chair, Planning Board
Select Board Update
School is out, but the Select Board continues its work over the summer. We were joined by our legislative delegation at our meeting on Monday, June 29, to get updates from Beacon Hill. Thanks to Senator Lewis and State Representatives Day and Ciccola!
The Board sends our best wishes to our colleague Paras Bhayani who concludes his term on the board in July. We’ll miss your deep analysis and thoughtful insights and collaboration! —Anthea Brady, Chair, Select Board
Energy Grant Received
Winchester has been awarded a Green Communities competitive grant of $90,094 to help fund Phase IV of the LED lighting conversion at McCall Middle School and Phase II of the window replacement project at the Recreation Department. The projects will be completed during the summer and are expected to save the town $19,500 annually in energy costs. —Susan McPhee, Winchester Energy Conservation Coordinator and Non-Voting Member, Energy Management Committee
Board of Health Summer News
In addition to our everyday activities, the Board of Health (BOH), alongside the Health Department, is focused on implementing the recently passed Article 41 ban on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) across all Town properties; reviewing and approving summer camp applications and health forms; and communicating about summertime health risks, including heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases (ticks, fleas, mosquitoes). —Anne Marie Hill, Chair, BOH
Field Management Update
The recent Field Management Committee (FMC) meeting was well attended by committee members, as well as partners from organizations using Winchester fields. Trending topics for FMC include building stronger partnerships with field users, working with partners to prioritize field improvement projects, especially through CPA funding, developing greater awareness of the state of the playgrounds throughout Winchester, and updating usage rates with Select Board approval. —Michael Creane, Chair, FMC
Follow the Conversation
Visit TMMA's Forum to read posts from Town Meeting members about Town Meeting articles and issues. To contact your Town Meeting representatives with questions or comments, visit the TMMA website for the current list.
About TMMA
The Winchester Town Meeting Members Association is a non-governmental, non-partisan association that helps Town Meeting members stay informed about town issues and Town Meeting articles ahead of Town Meeting sessions.
