One of the heated races on the ballot leading up to Election Day came on the school side of the ballot, where a citizen-petitioned Article 2 asked if voters would be in favor of switching to SB2, or official ballot form of voting.

The article required a three-fifths majority vote, but fell far short of that number. Only 438 residents voted to change to SB- 2, compared to 636 rejecting it.

Elizabeth Durant, who was elected to one of two School Board seats on Tuesday, March 11, said the timing of a change to SB2 was not right for the town.

“This year, I became familiar with it when I saw they were looking to put it on the ballot. At this time, Hopkinton needs to continue to examine if it’s the best form for us, and the voters weren’t convinced that it is the right time,” said Durant. “I don’t think we should make any hasty decisions, and if people ever feel the time is right, we’ll make that decision.”

But even before voters cast ballots on March 11, residents who attended the Saturday, March 8, School District Meeting took the time to voice opinions on the matter of SB2.

In addition, Budget Committee member David Lancaster read an e-mail newsletter from Superintendent of Schools Brian Blake on behalf of School Board members.

As well as encouraging residents to come out and vote, the letter expressed to voters the need to reject the SB2 article on Election Day, March 11. Blake has been open about his opposition to SB2 recently, but some residents took exception to the School Board’s use of e-mail communications.

“This is immoral and unethical of the School Board to use these communications for their cause,” said Lancaster. “I respectfully ask the School Board and selectmen to use these communications, but to stop using the town resources to lobby their political views.”

Resident Tom Zlotucha also spoke up against the e-mails.

“No editorializing should be done on any taxpayer dollars,” he said. “At the least we should be presented with both sides of the argument.”

Several residents defended the School Board’s actions, including Stretch Kennedy.

“Our citizens have every right to give their opinions, and I support their right to give it,” said Kennedy.