MONTAGUE, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A 6-town regional school district is being proposed for Bernardston, Gill, Leyden, Montague, Northfield, and Warwick.
The “Great River Regional School District” would combine students as schools face enrollment and funding challenges. The proposal comes with the motto “More Students. More Opportunities,” capitalizing on a selling point for enhanced educational experiences in this new model. Under the current district models, it has become difficult to offer electives, sports, and Advanced Placement class offerings. The new district and combined student bodies would allow for greater class options.
Under the “Great River Regional School District,” the Pioneer building would become the district’s middle school, Turners Falls building would become the high school for all and talks are underway for what elementary schools may close.
The six towns have been working on this project since the formation of a Planning Board in 2019. And with a go-ahead to draft a new regional agreement in January of 2024, the towns are set to vote on it this November.
