Templeton seeks regional school agreement resolution amid Phillipston delays

The Templeton Select Board meeting on June 25, 2025, was dominated by urgent discussions surrounding the stalled regional agreement with Phillipston, raising concerns about the future of local education. Board members expressed frustration over the lack of action from Phillipston, which has left Templeton in a precarious position regarding its school district.

A key point of contention was the failure of Phillipston to bring the proposed amendments to their town meeting, despite Templeton having already voted in favor of them. One board member emphasized, “This has gone on for coming up on four years. This is ridiculous,” highlighting the pressing need for resolution. The board is now considering giving Phillipston a deadline to act or exploring exit strategies if the situation remains unresolved.

The discussion also touched on the role of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Board members criticized DESE for not advocating on behalf of Templeton, suggesting that the state agency could exert pressure to resolve the ongoing issues. One member noted, “We have done everything that we are supposed to have done,” indicating a sense of urgency for DESE to intervene.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the current status of the school district, with implications that the ongoing turmoil could hinder future collaborations with other districts. The board acknowledged that the lack of clarity and guidance from DESE has compounded the challenges faced by the school committee.

As the meeting concluded, the board reiterated the need for decisive action from Phillipston, emphasizing that the future of Templeton’s educational landscape hangs in the balance. The situation remains critical, with board members committed to pursuing all avenues to ensure a resolution is reached before the next school year begins.