Residents at Wednesday’s Town Meeting had their opportunity to be heard on the longstanding issues that have dogged the School Committee for months. The citizens’ petition brought the debate to a head by placing a censure motion on the warrant. At the meeting, several people spoke, many with prepared statements. Speakers charged that the committee had failed to manage the issues raised regarding the superintendent, dealing with them in a pattern of denial and avoidance.

But others expressed concern about the fallout from a censure vote.

“I worry very much what this will do to the whole tone of our town,” said one speaker.

This is a dark day for Harvard,” said another.

Still another asked, “Why, after this, would anybody volunteer for any committee in the town of Harvard?”

The mood seemed somber as residents filed from Cronin Auditorium after voting by a substantial margin in favor of the censure motion.

The censure motion itself has no “teeth.” No one can be required to make any changes based on this vote. We are left to wonder, what happens next?