The financial consultant working with the Regional School
District Planning Board (RSDPB) is reviewing his findings in response to questions
and comments from the RSDPB and the public.
The report is part of a process whereby the RSDPB is considering whether
to recommend that a new region for elementary schools (through grade 6) replace
the separate town-based districts in Amherst, Leverett, Pelham and
Shutesbury. The consultant has
identified the need to adjust the possible distribution of education costs to
towns for a new educational Region.
Other changes may be made before a new report is issued.
The financial consultant, Mark Abrahams, projected that the
towns would collectively pay less to support their elementary schools as a
region than with the current structure.
Adjusting the distribution of costs will affect how savings are
distributed and how each town would be affected by the change to a regional
elementary district. The adjustment is needed to correctly reflect the
enrollment numbers in the PK-12 estimated assessments.
In the report issued on February 2, Abrahams presented two
methodologies for distributing these costs via an annual assessment. He then estimated assessments for both of
them for a new preK-6 region, which would be additional to the current 7-12
region, and for a possible region that would include all grades, PK-12. The actual assessment method would be recommended
by the RSDPB and adopted by the towns if a regional school district is
created. One of the allocation methods
uses the average enrollment from each town for the last five years. The other model, known as the statutory
assessment method, considers community wealth in its calculations. The enrollment average is the assessment
model currently used for the Amherst Regional School system, which includes
grades 7-12.
Planning Board Chair Andrew Steinberg explained that
projections are estimates and a snapshot based upon what is known and assumed
at the time it is produced. Abrahams
found an error in the use of enrollment numbers and the revised report will
reflect that adjustment. Steinberg said
that he appreciates Abrahams’ diligence in continuing to examine the estimate
and providing this updated information for the communities. “The board will sponsor forums in each town
before March 3 and participants in the forums will have a more informed
discussion with the most accurate financial projections as a result of Mr.
Abrahams’ diligence.” He went on to
explain that as the Board continues to consider regionalization of elementary
schools, inevitably new factors and assumptions will need to be considered and
integrated into an evolving financial analysis.
On March 9 the RSDPB will decide whether a regional approach
will be beneficial, educationally and financially. If the RSDPB reaches that conclusion, it will
consider additional questions such as how to structure a School Committee that
fairly represents all four towns and how residents and parents in each town can
participate in decisions affecting the elementary schools in their
communities. The RSDPB would then
present a proposal to voters at elections in November 2013.
More information can be found at the RSDPB website - www.RegionalSchoolPlanning.com.
CONTACT:
Andrew
Steinberg
Chair,
Regional School District Planning Board
steinberg_a@msn.com
Hitching
Post Road, Amherst
413-549-6826
Elaine
Puleo
Vice
Chair, Regional School District Planning Board
empuleo@gmail.com
Baker
Road, Shutesbury, MA
(413) 259-1979
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