Needham Town Meeting members voted 207–21 on Monday, Oct. 19, to appropriate $322.6 million for a new Pollard Middle School, sending the project to voters for a final funding decision Nov. 3.

The debt-exclusion measure, Question 10 on the local ballot, must pass before the town can proceed. It would allow property taxes above Proposition 2½ limits to repay borrowing for the school.

The hand-count vote followed approximately 40 minutes of debate, according to the Needham Observer.

The appropriation covers design, construction and related expenses for a school serving 1,335 students in grades 6–8 at 200 Harris Ave. Including $2.75 million previously approved for feasibility and schematic design work, the total project budget is $325.4 million, according to the Town Meeting warrant.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority has approved a maximum grant of approximately $80.6 million. Final reimbursement will depend on eligible expenses and an audit of project costs. The town’s current financing model anticipates borrowing about $243 million.

For an average single-family home, the estimated additional tax bill averages $1,167 annually over 35 years and peaks at $2,065 in fiscal 2034, Needham Local reported. Actual costs will depend on borrowing rates and other assumptions.

The Finance Committee recommended the funding in a 5–4 vote Oct. 7. The Select Board previously supported it 4–1.

At Town Meeting, supporters cited deteriorating school conditions and the potential expense of delaying construction. Opponents questioned the tax burden and the town’s broader building needs, the Observer reported.

If voters approve the financing, the school would open in phases. Grades 7–8 are expected to move into the new building in fall 2030, followed by grade 6 in winter 2031–32. Consolidating the middle school grades would also make High Rock available for the district’s elementary school building plans.

The existing Pollard opened in 1958. District officials identify aging mechanical systems, accessibility barriers and other deficiencies among the reasons for replacement, according to the project website.

Town officials have warned that rejection at the ballot would halt the current plan. At a June community meeting, Superintendent Dan Gutekanst said the district would instead face repairs he estimated could cost $167 million without MSBA reimbursement, the Observer reported.

Needham voters will decide Question 10 on Tuesday, Nov. 3.