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PRST-STD U.S. Postage PAID Hopkinton, MA 01748 Permit No. 109 ECRWSS Postal Patron
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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 25 | No. 22 | October 30, 2024
Concerns about school safety spark discussion By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
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PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Hopkinton parent concerned about student safety in the Hopkinton Public Schools is planning on submitting an article for the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting to call for a safety assessment, potentially leading to the use of metal detectors in the schools to deter potential school shootings and other acts of violence. “I’m quite passionate about safety,” said Sean Burtt, a parent of three HPS students, in a recent interview with the Independent. Burtt and his wife, Andrea, are hoping to start a coalition of parents to discuss school safety. Andrea created a Change. org petition on Sept. 10 that garnered 157 signatures as of Oct. 23.
ON GOURD
National issues prompt response Sean Burtt, an actuary, is passionate about data. He analyzed a Washington Post database to determine the national
Youngsters decorate pumpkins at the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Fall Festival on Oct. 20 outside Marathon School.
School safety | 17
INSIDE
Building inspector clarifies yard sign removal issue
SELECT BOARD
By Nick Schofield Staff Writer
Local meals tax to go before Town Meeting
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Yard signs | 11
PLANNING BOARD Details shared about Hop Drug development
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COMMUNITY
PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
fter a week of confusion regarding the taking of anti-gas station yard signs on multiple streets, the town’s building inspector confirmed that it was his office behind the removal. Christopher McWhite, Hopkinton’s director of municipal inspections, and Town Manager Elaine Lazarus spoke with the Independent about the issue on Oct. 15. Residents had been looking for answers regarding the removal of yard signs from the Dicarlo Road, West Elm Street and Barbara Road neighborhoods one week earlier. The signs reflect opposition to the
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Changes underway at Golden Pond facility
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Signs taken by the Building Department sit next to a shed behind Town Hall on Oct. 14.
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