Residents Urge Town to Fund Unified Sports Program

Select Board member opposes including unified sports funding in town warrant

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In a letter to the editor, two town residents express disappointment that a Select Board member, Karen Herrick, does not want to include a funding source for a unified sports program in the town warrant. The residents argue that the town should explore using revenue from the Burbank Ice Arena to fund the unified sports program, and they urge all residents to attend the upcoming Select Board meeting to advocate for the program.

Why it matters

Providing funding for a unified sports program would give children with disabilities more opportunities to participate in athletic activities, which can have significant physical, social, and emotional benefits. The residents argue that the town should give residents a voice on whether to fund the program.

The details

At a recent Select Board meeting, Karen Herrick stated that she does not want to include a funding source for a unified sports program in the town warrant (Article 14). The residents who wrote the letter argue that the town should explore using revenue from the Burbank Ice Arena, which they say has contributed millions to the town, to fund the unified sports program through a Stabilization fund. The residents criticize Herrick for not proposing any alternatives to support the program and for suggesting the Burbank Ice Arena does not collaborate effectively or generate enough revenue.

  • The Select Board meeting where Herrick made her statement was last night.
  • The next Select Board meeting where residents can advocate for the unified sports program is on March 10.

The players

Karen Herrick

A member of the Select Board who does not want to include a funding source for a unified sports program in the town warrant.

Burbank Ice Arena

A local ice arena that the residents say has contributed millions of dollars to the town and could potentially be a funding source for a unified sports program.

Alicia Williams

A town meeting member who wrote the letter urging the town to fund the unified sports program.

Marla Lane

A town meeting member who co-wrote the letter urging the town to fund the unified sports program.

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What they’re saying

“She didn't want to give the town a voice on whether to fund (through Burbank revenue) unified sports through a Stabilization fund.”

— Alicia Williams, Town Meeting Member (readingrecap.com)

“We need funding for unified sports! Is Burbank the perfect solution? Maybe not, but it's certainly worth exploring. We need an adaptive program for the town, but this Unified stabilization fund is a start.”

— Marla Lane, Town Meeting Member (readingrecap.com)

What’s next

The residents urge all town residents to attend the Select Board meeting on March 10 to advocate for funding the unified sports program.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the importance of providing equal opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in sports and recreational activities. The town should explore all options, including using revenue from local organizations, to fund a unified sports program that would benefit the entire community.