Three Candidates Debate High School Costs, Special Education Gaps Before April Vote

NORTH ATTLEBORO -- March 28, 2022, Three North Attleborough School Committee candidates clashed over a potential high school rebuild and special education staffing at a March 28 debate hosted by North TV. Incumbent Chairman Ethan Hamilton and incumbent John Costello both pushed back on characterizations of a new high school costing nearly a quarter of a billion dollars, with Hamilton saying "there's no designs, there's no price tag" and Costello calling concerns about a full replacement "overblown." Challenger Charles Dobre, who disclosed that his son receives special education services, argued the district needs proactive leadership on funding before federal ESSER relief dollars expire, saying the committee must not "scramble at the end of the day." Hamilton used his closing statement to announce this would be his final term, citing George Washington as a model of knowing when to step aside. A fourth candidate, David Chee, was absent but submitted a written statement read aloud by the moderator. Polls opened April 5 at the Kenneth Pickering Gymnasium at North Attleborough High School.