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School regionalization in Massachusetts: An assessment of voter attitudes in eight western Massachusetts rural communities concerning school regionalization
Abstract
The first purpose of the study was to identify the positive and negative factors of K-12 regionalization for small towns in Massachusetts at this time. The second purpose of the study was to examine selected issues concerning regionalization as perceived by two levels of decision-makers and a random sampling of voters in the eight town area. It is apparent from the survey results that financial considerations, and especially the level of state aid to a K-12 region, would play a major role in any decision by voters to form a K-12 region. Voters would also require assurances that the newly formed K-12 region would actually receive these additional funds. Voters want these additional funds to be used for direct services for students. The voters indicated strong concerns about the loss of local control. In a K-12 region, concerns were expressed about the creation of more bureaucracy that could make local schools less responsive and accessible to parents. There were additional concerns expressed about poorer towns not supporting school budgets and a K-12 region holding back the whole school system academically. Parent apathy and fear of state control were other factors stated by some voters. There was basic agreement that curriculum coordination was an important factor for most voters. A majority of voters indicated that a K-12 region would provide better quality educational programs for students. Many voters were still undecided on the issue. The topic of management was another area of strong interest to voters. Many voters expressed concerns about the current management structure and the fact that it involves considerable duplication of effort by the superintendent and other members of the central office staff. Voters generally agreed that having a unified personnel contract would be an advantage to the K-12 region. They also agreed that a K-12 region would allow the superintendent to spend more time on educational policy matters. The majority of survey respondents, fifty-three percent (53%), believed that the formation of a K-12 region would result in better management of educational services to their town. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
Subject Area
Educational administration|Curriculum development|Education finance
Recommended Citation
Willard, Bruce Earl, "School regionalization in Massachusetts: An assessment of voter attitudes in eight western Massachusetts rural communities concerning school regionalization" (1993). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9316725.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9316725