Meghan Lena: The case for regionalizing schools

On Oct. 6, voters across Bernardston, Leyden, Northfield, Gill, Montague, and Warwick face a decisive choice about the future of our public schools and the vitality of our region. As a local parent, teacher, and neighbor, I urge you to vote “yes” to create the Great River Regional School District and secure the strong educational opportunities our children deserve.

Demographics don’t lie: National birth rates have declined, and local school enrollment has dropped by more than 50% since 1996. Running programs for fewer students drives up per-child cost. Our schools are at a breaking point, facing cuts that could leave behind only the bare-minimum core subjects required by law. Regionalizing the middle and high schools while keeping elementary schools in our home towns pools our resources so we can maximize every dollar. It restores the clubs, sports, arts, vocational programs, and support staff our children need to discover their talents and explore their passions.

As a local educator, I see the reality of “doing more with less” every day. Throughout western Massachusetts, cutbacks to staff are like Band-Aids for broken bones. Educators are stretched thin everywhere, trying to maintain strong programs with shrinking support.

Forming the Great River Regional School District isn’t about saving money; it’s about saving opportunities. As a parent, I want my child to have access to music, art, electives, sports, and comprehensive support services so she can explore the world and figure out who she wants to be.

Regionalization doesn’t need to be a contentious issue — it’s an educational and community investment. When a student steps into a science lab or joins an after-school program, what matters is whether we gave them the tools to succeed.

A strong, vibrant school district benefits our entire community, not just families with school-aged children. Strong schools strengthen property values, attract healthcare workers, and draw professionals who help our small towns thrive. On Oct. 6, let’s vote to strengthen our communities and expand our children’s horizons, not narrow them.