Marblehead schools pare $1.7M budget gap to $879,000
Enrollment has dropped by 487 students since 2018-19, but the superintendent said staffing cuts are limited because student needs — especially in special education — have become more complex.
News
Public Works Committee opens town’s first meeting of the year, signs off on warrant article
Vote advances a governance rewrite for voter consideration this spring, reshaping how infrastructure leaders coordinate labor, equipment and long-range planning.
Landing to host Burns Night celebration Jan. 15
A Marblehead tradition for the last 18 years and a Scottish one since 1801, Burns Night will be celebrated again at The Landing restaurant on Thursday, Jan. 15. Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, songwriter and music collector, lived in the second half of the 18th century and wrote more than
POLICE LOG: Speaker disappears from library, resident reports missing Christmas cookware
This reporting takes time, access and context. Independent, reader-supported journalism means no paywalls, no algorithms — just facts, for everyone in Marblehead. You’re able to read this work free because 72 Marbleheaders make it possible through annual and monthly contributions — and we endeavor to reach 100 members by the end
2025 year-in-review: Three months of showing up for Marblehead
Early coverage emphasized decision-making before votes were final, producing strong engagement around governance, finance and policy details.
Galvin urges taxpayers to review higher state, local tax deduction cap
BOSTON — Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin is urging Massachusetts residents preparing to file their 2025 tax returns to review recent changes in federal tax law that could significantly affect their filings. Under a tax reform package signed into law in July, taxpayers who itemize deductions may now deduct
Remembering Marblehead’s losses of 2025, Part 2: Teachers, artists and neighbors
The Independent remembers people who sustained the town through teaching, creating, listening and showing up.
OBITUARY: Joan (Colt) Hooper, 96
Joan (Colt) Hooper was imposing—in stature, in talent and in grace, a woman of gentle good humor. For all of her 96 years she enthusiastically loved her family, her friends and her dogs. She was an energetic artist, who shared her skills with others and continued to challenge herself
The Independent’s most-read stories of 2025
Since The Marblehead Independent went live in September, the stories that drew the most sustained attention have ranged from zoning disputes and municipal contracts to neighborhood traditions and local businesses. Many did not describe finished events, but moments within longer processes — decisions still unfolding, traditions still repeating and lives and
OBITUARY: Joseph Carpineto, 55
Joseph Carpineto, age 55, of Marblehead passed away unexpectedly on Monday December 22. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 22 years, Sherri (Levy) Carpineto, his most adored and cherished sons Harrison and Will Carpineto and his mom Joann Carpineto. He also leaves behind an abundance of loved family and
GoFundMe nears $60,000 goal after sudden death of Joe Carpineto
His wife, Sherri, wrote that she is seeking help while raising two teenagers, Harry and Will, without their father.
Holiday trash, recycling schedule adjusted for Christmas
Trash and recycling pickup in Marblehead will run one day late during the week of Christmas, according to the Marblehead Health Department. Collections will follow this schedule: Monday routes will be picked up Dec. 22; Tuesday routes Dec. 23; Wednesday routes Dec. 24; Thursday routes Dec. 26; and Friday routes
POLICE LOG: Driver’s beach photo op ends with car buried in sand
This reporting takes time, access and context. Independent, reader-supported journalism means no paywalls, no algorithms — just facts, for everyone in Marblehead. We run on an $80,000 annual budget, and 95 percent of every dollar goes straight into journalism, not profit. You’re able to read this work free because
State certifies first five ballot questions for 2026
BOSTON — The Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth has certified the first five initiative petitions that have cleared the initial signature hurdle for the 2026 state election ballot, confirming each contains more than the 74,574 certified signatures required to advance to the next step in the process.
OBSERVER CORPS: Marblehead Housing Committee — Dec. 9, 2025
LWVM Observer — Julie Matuschak Attendees: Kurt James, Alex Eitler, Debra Larkin, Nisha Austin, Ramon Garcia, Mimi Hollister, Brendan Callahan. The Marblehead Housing Committee met in hybrid session Dec. 9. The meeting was recorded and began at 3:35 p.m. Minutes from the Oct. 14, 2025 meeting were approved. Coffin
Marblehead teacher claims retaliation, antisemitism in lead teacher stipend dispute
The hearing came after an outside review authorized up to $25,000 last year. A report released early April 2025 found no substantiation for antisemitism, harassment, retaliatory conduct, though it cited flaws in prior handling.