School Merger Beneficial But ‘Untenable’ With COVID-19

A 37-page report released and presented to Clarksburg and Stamford, Vt., last week lays out the pros and cons of an interstate school district merger.

The report by Public Consulting Group looks at a broad range of factors and challenges in such a merger and comes to the conclusion it can be beneficial to both towns if "done thoughtfully."

It recommends a governing body of seven with three from Stamford and four from Clarksburg; teacher licensure and retirement through Massachusetts; standards-based curriculum; special education on the Massachusetts guidelines; and better uses of existing space in the two schools and expansion of enrichment offerings.

On the more problematic side is complicated funding issues as Massachusetts and Vermont have very different educational aid formulas and the building issues at Clarksburg School.

This is the second study commissioned by the Interstate Merger Committee that is made up of officials and volunteers in both communities.

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