How would this merger benefit students?

Although elementary students would continue to receive their education in their respective schools, increased enrollment in the middle/high schools would  create more and new opportunities in academics, clubs, athletics and services.  Increasingly, as the student populations in our   school districts have decreased, all areas of academics and student programming have been affected over the years.  Increasing student numbers would strengthen, stabilize and enrich services, including sports teams and all arts programming (music, band/chorus, theater, dance) that rely on population for sustainability.  Building confidence in the stability of the schools to offer a full roster of academics, including AP classes, seasonal sports teams designed for developing athletes’ abilities, and a strong visual and performing arts programming throughout middle/high school is  key to a comprehensive education for all students.  Having a stable population at the middle and high school levels could inspire the individual town elementary schools in a larger regional district to more energetically invest in art, music/band, and town supported recreational sports leagues for their younger students. 

Academically, a merger of these  districts could benefit both student learning and staff teaching.  Currently, for example, at Pioneer middle and high school some teachers have had to teach classes at both levels in a content specific  subject area.  With a separate middle and high school, teachers would be focused on specific student populations, which would increase competency in developmental learning styles and abilities.  Teachers would more likely be able to teach in their subject area of expertise rather than multiple fields.  A significant advantage would be teachers would be able to collaborate with their certified subject area peers to share knowledge, deepen expertise and enrich pedagogy.  An increase in staff would create more connections and opportunities for support and greater sense of stability.  Benefits such as these are likely to support and retain staff over time.

More student academic opportunities (course offerings)  also diminishes course conflicts in scheduling so students can gain access to courses of interest..  More staff and students would more adequately support or develop more programming for students both in  and outside of the academic hours. For example, student services, like guidance, school to career, college exploration, mental health/counseling, would also stabilize and potentially increase these services..  Students would have a wider range of teachers/staff to develop relationships with and more opportunities to find ways or outlets to help them grow,achieve and thrive.  Students would have a wider range of peers to meet and develop friendships with across a larger area of Franklin County. These outcomes might keep students from matriculating elsewhere and improve graduation numbers.

Why won’t more school funding adequately address our school sustainability challenges?

We keep hearing more money being directed towards our schools in Western Mass will solve the challenges our schools face regarding student opportunities. 

Spending more money on fewer and fewer students year over year is not a sustainable funding model. It drives up per pupil cost, and doesn’t address the declines in student opportunities that only enrollment can address. Can Ch 70 be more equitable and progressive? Yes, but again, more money cannot manufacture students, and with declining enrollment, educational opportunities disappear. (Ex., if you only have 7 students for your football team, it doesn’t matter how much money you spend on the team).

We have lost almost 4000 K-12 students in Franklin County over the past 20-30 years. Our entire country is experiencing enrollment declines. 

Higher fixed costs + declining enrollment = higher per pupil cost = school budgets become a larger share of town and state budgets. This is not a funding model that supports our students or our towns. 

Would the elementary programs be unified in approach? Would they lose their autonomy?

The Planning Board believes that it will be important to have a unified approach in curriculum and other programs that develop knowledge and skills that flow smoothly as students progress through the system. This would be an exciting opportunity for the staff to collectively re-imagine a district with the best researched based models for programs and services that benefit students. However, it is anticipated that each elementary school would continue to have the flexibility to tailor their curricula to the resources and opportunities that are unique to their school. It is expected that a transition team would help in the creation of a five year curriculum renewal cycle.

Would students be heterogeneously grouped or tracked?

Gill-Montague and Pioneer districts could use both heterogeneous (students of mixed abilities and backgrounds) and homogeneous (students “grouped” by ability, often by others) learning models. The two districts currently emphasize one or the other. For instance, Pioneer AP courses are open to selection by any student. In speaking with staff from both districts, they believe it is in the best interests of students to have the opportunity to sign up for courses that are of interest to them and will help to advance them to their next experience after high school.

Would students lose the benefits of small class sizes and personal attention in a larger school district?

Although this district would be larger, relatively speaking, it will remain a small district in the eyes of the State, with a total enrollment of approximately 1400 students. At the high school level there would be approximately 300 students, with the middle school at 400+ students. High school classes will likely have class sizes of approximately 12 to 14 students, which are still small, but allows room for more student perspectives and voices. Most teachers agree that classes in many subject areas can be too small (i.e., 4 to 6 students) and not offer as vibrant and engaging student experience as a class with 10 to 15 students.

How does a Middle School become a state-of-the-art school?

This would be accomplished through professional development, visitations, research and with guidance from an experienced middle school consultant. These activities would solidify the staff, build congeniality and professional working relationships as best models and practices are explored together. They may research the criteria standard of a “Blue Ribbon” School. The districts, as they exist now, do not have the enrollment and staff levels to support a designated middle school model. As a possible future goal for a designated middle school, for example, the campus in Northfield could focus on experiential learning with an outdoor learning curriculum that utilizes the 94 acres that surrounds Pioneer.

What are the benefits for Middle School students?

The dedicated middle school staff will be able to focus on the educational, social and emotional needs of students in the courses they develop and collectively share the responsibility ensuring every student succeeds.The staff and department meetings will have more perspectives on sharing ideas on best practices which will directly benefit students. The classroom engagement of students will be more robust as they would benefit from more educational resources (teachers and staff) and the collaboration and sharing of ideas within the teaching/learning process. The Middle School would be able to have more control and flexibility over scheduling classes and time management. It is anticipated that new courses would be developed, focused on the interest of students, but still contain the criteria of what students at this age level need to know and be able to do.

The quality and quantity of student participation in the arts, such as band, music, theater will also add a new dimension to this experience. Middle School children will also benefit in extracurricular activities such as athletics as they are able to have more playing time to develop their skills and compete at their level.

What kind of special education programs would exist?

All children benefit when students with some learning challenges are integrated into the “regular” classroom and student activities. This requires proper support, such as Learning Centers. A comprehensive school district provides therapeutic, adult life skills, social and emotional support, and guidance services to mention a few. Although out of the scope of the Planning Board, we believe our educators in both districts are well-versed on what is best for students and will continue to advocate for these support systems.

How does the proposal ensure equity for six grade students across towns? 

The Planning Board tried to honor, whenever possible, the language in the existing regional agreements. Gill parents have a choice of whether to remain in their school or attend Middle School. The GRRSD School Committee will determine the configuration of the Middle School. There are enough 7-8 students enrolled to support a comprehensive middle school. DESE officials and the Planning Board believe that a smooth transition into the new district is essential.

Our plan calls for the existing configuration of the elementary schools to remain the same and we believe the communities agree.  The chair of the STRPB was on the PVRSD school committee and fought vigorously to prevent the school committee and superintendent from moving 6 grade students into the PVRSD building. This needs to be a community decision working with the School Committee. 

How will parents know their kids are safe if they go to a school in a community they don’t know?

An essential facet of this process is to create opportunities for families/parents to engage in activities with and without their children. Example: a game night for families and students, a pot luck supper, ice breaking activities led by a professional speaker, forums for parents to express concerns and offer ideas.  Exposure to new environments and a potentially more diverse community are important opportunities for students to learn about people and the wider world. Ultimately, families/parents need to take an active role in their child’s education, and work collaboratively with their schools and school committees to address safety concerns within their school communities.  School safety will always be a primary concern for any administration.  Having best practices in protocols and consistent and fulsome communication between families and schools should allay concerns.

When is the vote on the District Regional Agreement?

The vote is scheduled for October 6, 2026 from 12:00-8:00 PM. The agreement has been finalized with the Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE). Each town will vote individually to approve or not approve the agreement.

Does this require a majority vote or a 2/3 vote?

For a six town district to form, there would need to be an affirmative (majority) vote in all six towns to join the new district.

What would the decision timeline look like?

If the agreement is approved in the respective six towns (or five towns if Warwick does not approve), there would be a transition process that would complete in July 2028.

Why was the Planning Board formed?

Declining enrollments over almost three decades have threatened the ability of the Gill-Montague and Pioneer Valley Regional School Districts to offer comprehensive educational experiences to their students. Concurrently, the financial pressures to support the districts, with these diminished learning opportunities for students, sparked an interest in the six towns of Bernardston, Gill, Leyden, Montague, Northfield and Warwick to establish a Planning Board to research the feasibility and sustainability of merging the two districts to form a new regional school district. Each town appointed three members to represent them.

Would the transition be gradual or all at once?

The transition would be gradual. A school committee for the new district would be formed to set policy and negotiate contracts. This committee would operate for one year while the other two districts are still in operation and then replace the other committees after that year is complete. During this transition, there would be opportunities for public input and community building. This could include opportunities for students to come together for learning (shared classes using technology), visitations, intramural sports, clubs, social events etc. This might include working groups of students on things like exploring potential mascots for middle and high school.

Read the GRRSD Long Range Plan to learn more

How do you overcome the resistance from some community members?

The position of the Planning Board has not been to eliminate resistance to this idea but rather to listen to their concerns and then research possible answers. Not all concerns can be addressed because some concerns are “what if” questions that the Board cannot anticipate the outcome. Perhaps a better understanding of our work will influence some peoples’ thinking. Our focus is looking at the research and determining if this merger will be in the best educational interest of students moving forward. In the end, if our work ends up on Town Meetings warrants, the people will decide. However, regardless of the outcome of the vote, we will have important data to author a “white paper” for our state legislators and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to study and take under advisement.

What about push-back from parents/community who attended schools and have nostalgic feelings that interfere with forward growth?

This is a real concern and is part of the reason that a change such as this is challenging. Our personal feelings and loyal connections run deep and there would definitely be a grieving process for many. This reality must be incorporated into any transition plan developed. One example might be that a certain number of basketball games are scheduled in each facility. Additionally, a transition plan must include approaches to build new bridges for community, families and students.

Why didn’t the Six Town Planning Board ask the existing school committees if they were willing and able to supervise the building of a new school district?

There are specific procedures that dictate the process in forming a new school district. These were followed. The Gill Montague Regional School Committee and superintendent were very supportive of the research the Planning Board conducted on behalf of the towns, while the Pioneer Valley Regional School Committee and superintendent were hesitant in sharing information and not supportive of the work of the Planning Board. 

The HEART committee, formed by the PVRSD towns, made suggestions for the PVRSD school committee to consider, including offering proposed revisions to the existing regional agreement. These were not seriously considered; the school committee did not act upon these until the PB was developing a proposed regional agreement for the towns to consider.

Would there be “At Large” elections for School Committee Members?

Members will be elected in District-wide elections, with members required to be residents of member towns in the following composition: thirteen (13) residents, two (2) residents from Bernardston, two (2) residents from Gill, one (1) resident from Leyden, five (5) residents from Montague, two (2) residents from Northfield and one (1) resident from Warwick. This composition would change if Warwick does not join the district (see Five Town Regional Agreement).

Who would oversee the governance and decision making process?

The initial governance and decision making process is contained in the Regional Agreement. The next governance structure would be developed by the School Committee, with guidance from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), The Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS), and others. This would be followed or in consort with an administrative team and working groups of educators, parents and in some cases, students. The above is a general response which will likely be expanded and enhanced. It would make sense to hire a consultant to provide assistance in the early stages of this process.

How concerned should we be by the loss of local autonomy with our elected School Committee members making decisions for our children?

School Committee members are committed to offering the best education for all children. This does not change, in fact, they have an opportunity to expand programs and services to students. Because of declining enrollment we have all witnessed the loss of many academic opportunities for our students and the elimination of sports, clubs, etc. School Committee members, elected in district-wide elections representing a larger educational community, will be in a position to support more of students’ desired courses and extracurricular activities they are seeking.

What does a regional agreement determine? What is up to the school committee?

The Great River Regional School district defines:

• Number of school committee members per town 

• The school buildings that are a part of the region 

• The assessment methodology (method for sharing costs across the towns) 

• The grade levels included in the region 

• Process for adding new member towns or towns leaving the district 

• Other financial and voting policies

The school committee for the Great River Regional School District will determine:

• The school budget as negotiated with member towns 

• Teacher salaries set through contract negotiations 

• Curriculum and course offerings 

• Tuition agreements with non-district towns 

• Educational vision, goals, and policies 

• Bus routes as negotiated with bus company 

What is the impact on towns regarding their assessments?

On November 14th, 2023, our consultants, the Abrahams Group, presented ten example assessment methodologies and the resulting assessment for each member town. It is the job of the District Regional Agreement Subcommittee and the MARS consulting group to determine which assessment methodology will be used in the final regionalization agreement. Read more about finances on the reports page.

How would any central office savings be utilized?

The Planning Board believes these savings would best be utilized by redirecting the funds to support educational programs and services for students and adding some essential services to support the emotional and social health of students.

Who is going to fund the creation of the Great River Regional School District (GRRSD)?

The state. The Planning Board was originally looking for state funding to support the work of the GRRSD School Committee as it sets up the governance foundation of the new district that will ensure a smooth transition for students.  

Conversations with our legislators about funding initiatives that support a variety of regionalization efforts were fruitful. Senator Comerford and Representative Whipps worked with others to secure 16.5 million for regionalization. The timing of this money and our recommendation to form the GRRSD couldn’t have come at a better time. If the voters approve the GRRSD, a portion of this funding will support the work of the new School Committee. 

How was the cost determined?

The Long Range Plan outlines the related cost for its implementation.

When will the funding be secured?

The funding is already secured.

How might grants that benefit individual schools be impacted?

Many grants are sponsored by the principals and staff in the respective schools. This will not change.  Grants reviewers value those that are submitted by teachers because they usually have a direct benefit to students.  And, grants submitted supported by multiple teachers in a particular certification content area are most promising. 

What is the evidence for the Board’s assertion that no capital projects are needed? 

There are no capital projects planned on the regional buildings in the Gill Montague Regional School District. PVRSD has a capital plan for the regional building which the new school committee will review and consider in collaboration with the towns. The towns are responsible for capital projects on its elementary schools.

What about teacher salaries?

The law provides that no teacher can make less money in the formation of a new district. The point was made that PVRSD teachers had historic increases in their salaries and the towns would not be able to afford this new salary schedule across the district. The increase in salaries for PVRSD provided more equity amongst their peers in surrounding districts. However, the gap between the GMRSD and PVRSD in recalculating assessments did not significantly increase the assessments. The goal is a smooth transition for students and staff and modifications to salaries will be achieved through negotiations.

What is the financial liability to taxpayers in Bernardston, Leyden, and Northfield for these increased costs of salaries?

The Planning Board calculated new assessments and the difference was not significant, especially when assessments are divided over 6 towns. 

One might ask:

What are the financial liabilities of the towns for its redundant Central Office Salaries?

For example, if you just take the superintendent’s and business/facilities director’s salaries with benefits over a 3 year period in the PVRSD the amount approaches 1 million dollars! Can the 3 towns continue to afford that if nothing changes? No one is arguing these salaries are not warranted because of the market value, but one could argue that these salaries should have a broader reach in the number of students, parents, and communities. Now add in Director of special education and other administrative positions and the cost is not sustainable for the 3 towns of Bernardston, Leyden and Northfield. The GRRSD, being one district, eliminates the redundancy of these positions.

What was the rationale for not including an analysis of support staff salary in the financial projections?

The support staff was included in the analysis as it is included in the budget. 

If a new district was formed, where would students attend school?

Elementary students will remain in their present buildings while the Pioneer Valley Regional High School/Junior High School facility would be dedicated to a true Middle School Model and the Turners Falls High School would educate students in grades 9-12.

Will any of the elementary schools close under the GRRSD Plan?

NO! The Long Range Plan supports each school maintaining its own uniqueness and personality and the programs should reflect the values of the community. In a meeting with the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, he highlighted the benefits of elementary children being educated in their own community. 

PVRSD’s plan was to close its elementary schools and consolidate them onto one campus, in a new building.  If this happens, the 3 towns in the PVRSD will have a huge additional financial challenge to pay for the new elementary building project, while burdened with deciding what to do with their abandoned school buildings. In addition, consolidation does nothing to address the waning school population and resulting opportunity and choice limitations for 7-12 students.

Would elementary schools be adequately maintained?

All regional school districts are responsible for the general maintenance of the schools under their jurisdiction and should provide adequate funding and personnel for this to happen on a daily/monthly and yearly basis. Deferred maintenance is no excuse for towns to absorb unnecessary capital expenses.

It is the expectation of the Planning Board that all schools will have a safe and inviting environment/atmosphere for students and staff and a routine maintenance schedule will be adhered to.

What would be the effect of a merger on elementary capital/construction projects?

Even with rigorous maintenance and routine repairs of infrastructure, the age and general wear and tear makes it necessary for continual capital investment when needed. The new Regional School District Agreement would govern who would be responsible for capital improvements and town officials may wish to explore options for the use of existing facilities.

Some regional agreements have all the towns paying a predetermined assessed portion of capital improvements/construction projects while others give this responsibility to the towns. For example, if the Pioneer Valley Regional School District wished to consolidate one or two of the elementary schools through a renovation/construction project at the existing regional school district facility, the funding source of that project could be through the School Building Authority (pending approval) with the difference to be paid by the respective towns through Town Meetings. However, for this to happen, it would need to be in the language of the Regional Agreement, which must be approved at Town Meetings. The same would be true for the Gill-Montague School District. Districts might want to continue to pursue any capital projects they deem necessary.

Would this merger influence the Franklin County Technical School building project?

The Franklin County Technical School is an independent district. The formation of the Great River Regional School District would be independent of their building project.

Would this merger influence the elementary school building project in Montague?

Hillcrest and Sheffield Elementary schools are in an MSBA feasilbility study. This study would continue with or without the creation of the Great River Regional School District as these buildings are still in need of renovation or addition.

Would staff members lose their jobs?

The Planning Board believes this merger would result in minimal, if any, job losses for staff supporting students’ education and services. The strength of our schools are the teachers and support staff. These are the familiar faces for students and this will create a level of trust, confidence and comfort that will help students during this merger. It has been determined that significant savings would be achieved by eliminating the duplication of personnel in the Central Office, and unfortunately, some of these positions would be eliminated.

The Planning Board indicated that their plan calls for all teachers to be employed in the new district? Upon what authority?

The School Committee has the authority to negotiate contracts with the different unions and determine employment. The Planning Board has a blueprint that calls for teachers to continue in the new district in order to provide the services and programs presently offered. Additionally, it calls for students to have more opportunities in all areas. Our assessments were based on this model. 

Will negotiating a joint contract be an arduous project?

Contract negotiations can also be challenging. However, this would be an exciting time. The positive energy might serve as a catalyst for collaborative best interest bargaining. With a collective focus, bargaining can move forward toward a timely resolution. Ultimately, the newly elected School Committee and the consolidated unions would work together toward the best outcome.

Even though this is not within the scope of the Planning Board, the board wanted to at least acknowledge this question because this would be part of the process in forming a new school district. It is important to note that no employee can earn a lower salary. For the sole purpose of generating a budget it was necessary to generate a theoretical salary schedule to calculate town assessments.

Pioneer teachers were migrated onto the Gill-Montague Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) salary schedule which has higher compensation than Pioneer’s, and then additional steps were added to accommodate all teachers. Again, for the purposes of generating assessments active and retired employees remained in their respective insurance plans for assessment purposes. This methodology was utilized to be as realistic as possible.

There are concerns about transportation and students having longer rides and early start times. Can you explain this more?

All elementary children in all three districts continue to attend their elementary schools, transportation remains the same.  All middle school children in Warwick and PVRSD continue their education at the PVRSD building/campus. Only the high school students (approximately 107) at PVRSD would travel to Turners Falls High School (about 20 minutes apart). Middle school students in the GMRSD would attend the district-wide middle school at the Pioneer Valley building. With declining enrollment since the study was first conducted, there may not be a need for as many buses. As is the case now, ridership times will vary from year to year depending on students’ residence. Reasonable pick up and drop off times will continue to be a priority of the school committee. The start and ending times of the school day are subject to negotiations, with the students always the priority.

Does this change address long-term systemic issues of enrollment decline?

Presently, both districts’ have ample space in their middle and high school buildings to accommodate additional students, as was the case in the early nineties before the decline. Recent NESDEC data suggests there may be slight increases in enrollment at the elementary level. If this becomes a trend and the merger is approved, this action might result in an increase of enrollment projections at the secondary level. Enrollment has a direct impact on what educational and extracurricular opportunities are available for students, therefore a secondary school with more students (i.e. a high school with 340 students vs. 150 students) is likely to retain and attract new students.

On the other hand, if the population, including children, in Western Massachusetts continues to decline, then it is possible to have a larger district with the same issues of declining enrollment, say 10 years from now. The board feels it is important to address the issue now rather than wait, since our current students in each district would benefit from the increase in educational opportunities.

What is a “super” regional school district?

The proposed Great River Regional School District is being called a “SUPER” region because it would be a merger of regions, not because of its population. It would be similar in population to Greenfield Schools (around 1300-1400) and smaller in square miles than several other rural districts. 

• Franklin County Tech: 725 square miles

• Mohawk Trail Regional: 295.8 square miles

• Central Berkshire Regional School District: 214 square miles 

• Southern Berkshire Regional 173.2 square miles 

• Great River Regional School District 160 square miles (123.1 square miles without Warwick)

• Amherst-Pelham secondary schools 101.9 square miles

Would Gill sixth graders still have a choice to stay at their school or go to the new Middle School?

This question is outside the scope of the Planning Board’s work because a number of people/public entities would be involved in such a decision. It is expected that the initial grade configurations at the elementary schools will remain as they are currently during the district merger.

Would students still be able to “School Choice” into Gill?

This is also outside of the scope of the Planning Board. Intra-School Choice and School Choice would be determined by the number of seats declared available. However, because the goal is to maintain and attract students and families to this new school district, it seems logical that this would be a goal of the district at all levels of K-12, but especially at the middle and high school level.

Is it possible that some students/families may choose to Choice Out if the districts combine?

All three options of staying in the district, choosing to Choice-out or choosing to Choice-in, are family decisions based on what parents believe is in the best interest of their child. The Planning Board has received feedback from all three perspectives. Some families have choiced their child because they feel their child is not getting an adequate education, or their child has other interests, or transportation to another school is more convenient.

Some families/parents choose Franklin Technical School because of what it has to offer, while others feel their child is receiving a better education where they are. The Planning Board has noted these concerns but has no insight on how this might impact the future enrollment of a new school district.

If a district currently co-ops with another district for sports, will they lose that opportunity?

It should be noted that this decision would involve multiple parties, including the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). Depending on the interest of our communities, it is possible, and perhaps likely, that the new school district will have enough students to offer junior and varsity sports and therefore choose to field teams internally, but this would be a decision made by the new school committee with discussion and cooperation of its member towns and MIAA.

How will this affect Erving and other towns that tuition in?

Tuition agreements with Erving (MA), Vernon (VT), Winchester (NH), and Ralph Mahar Regional District (MA) will be honored.

What happens to Warwick?

Warwick did not intend to leave the Pioneer Valley Regional School District, and in fact explored ways to continue being a member with its school remaining open. These efforts unfortunately failed so Warwick formed an independent new school district. However, it may have the same options as Erving: tuitioning 7th through 12 grade students into the new district or becoming a member with assurances its school will not be closed unless the town decides to do so.

What about other communities that may want to be a part of the newly formed district?

Once a new district is formed, other communities could work with the new School Committee to explore membership opportunities and amendments could be made to the Regional Agreement accordingly. A comprehensive process would need to be established with input from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.