New Initiative Supports Melrose Schools

Do you support increasing school funding but are concerned that others may not be able to contribute?
Do you know that an override is permanent and offers no guarantee that the funds will continue to support schools after the first year?
Do you know that an override is permanent and offers no guarantee that the funds will continue to support schools after the first year?
Let us introduce you to the Melrose Education Fund.
The Melrose Education Fund is NOT the same as the Melrose Scholarship Fund. Contributions to the Education Fund will directly support the schools, and the funds will be managed by the Education Committee. Unlike an override, the money you contribute to the Education Fund is designated solely for educational purposes—ensuring it’s used as intended every year.
The Education Committee can allocate the funds for a variety of educational needs, including purchasing Chromebooks, supporting art programs, hiring additional staff, and more—anything approved by the Committee for educational purposes.
We are a city of million-dollar homes, yet we also have two food pantries. In the last override, 4,296 voters expressed their willingness to contribute more for the benefit of our children.
Your quarterly property tax bill has a section to allocate voluntary contributions. If each of these voters contributed just $825—the same amount they would pay for an override—we could raise the $3.5 million intended for education as requested in the most recent override. The Melrose Education Fund ensures that these funds are dedicated solely to educational purposes every year.
The above article appeared in the Melrose Weekly News
The Melrose Education Fund is NOT the same as the Melrose Scholarship Fund. Contributions to the Education Fund will directly support the schools, and the funds will be managed by the Education Committee. Unlike an override, the money you contribute to the Education Fund is designated solely for educational purposes—ensuring it’s used as intended every year.
The Education Committee can allocate the funds for a variety of educational needs, including purchasing Chromebooks, supporting art programs, hiring additional staff, and more—anything approved by the Committee for educational purposes.
We are a city of million-dollar homes, yet we also have two food pantries. In the last override, 4,296 voters expressed their willingness to contribute more for the benefit of our children.
Your quarterly property tax bill has a section to allocate voluntary contributions. If each of these voters contributed just $825—the same amount they would pay for an override—we could raise the $3.5 million intended for education as requested in the most recent override. The Melrose Education Fund ensures that these funds are dedicated solely to educational purposes every year.
The above article appeared in the Melrose Weekly News
Preserving the Affordability of Melrose

The Melrose Affordable Initiative is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving the affordability and fiscal health of our beloved community in Melrose, Massachusetts. We are a group of concerned residents who believe in responsible governance, transparent budgeting, and sustainable fiscal policies that benefit all members of our community. Our goal is to help keep Melrose Affordable to All.
Our Mission
Our mission is to:
- Inform residents about local fiscal matters, including budget decisions, tax proposals, and their potential impacts on our community.
- Help residents identify ways of saving money in their community, from local discounts to energy-saving programs and shared resources.
- Advocate for responsible spending and tax policies that maintain Melrose's affordability for current and future generations.
- Promote transparency in local government financial decisions and encourage community engagement in the budgeting process.
- Collaborate with city officials and other community groups to find innovative solutions to fiscal challenges while preserving essential services.
- Empower Melrose residents with the knowledge and tools they need to actively participate in local fiscal discussions and decisions.
The Melrose Affordable Initiative arose from a collective desire to ensure that our city remains a place where families can thrive, seniors can age in place, and newcomers can find a welcoming home. We believe that by working together, we can create a financially sustainable future for Melrose without compromising the quality of life and services that make our community special.
We are not opposed to all spending or tax increases, but rather advocate for careful consideration of fiscal decisions and their long-term impacts. Our goal is to foster a community dialogue that leads to informed, balanced choices about our city's financial future.
Join us in our efforts to keep Melrose affordable, vibrant, and fiscally sound for years to come.
Join us in our efforts to keep Melrose affordable, vibrant, and fiscally sound for years to come.
Join the Melrose Affordable Initiative Community
Sign up to receive updates, news, and opportunities from Melrose Affordable Initiative.
Your involvement helps us build a more affordable and inclusive community.
Sign Up Here >>>
Sign up to receive updates, news, and opportunities from Melrose Affordable Initiative.
Your involvement helps us build a more affordable and inclusive community.
Sign Up Here >>>
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