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Consultant data diverge as Quabbin and North Brookfield weigh tuition agreement
Summary
An independent consultant's analysis showed Quabbin could face a net increase of roughly $48,000 under a tuition agreement while the receiving district's numbers suggested a possible $430,000 saving; committee members highlighted methodological differences and underscored that program quality and children's education must guide any decision.
The committee reviewed an independent consultant's cost-comparison of a possible tuition agreement with North Brookfield and heard competing figures between the consultant and the receiving district that left district leaders uncertain about net fiscal effects.
On slide summaries committee members described, the consultant estimated Quabbin could see a net increase (additional cost) of about $48,000 if the school closed and a tuition partner absorbed students; representatives from the receiving district (Quaebog/Quaybog in the packet) presented alternative numbers suggesting potential savings up to $430,000. Several committee members called out discrepancies in student counts, school-choice surcharges and how special-education costs were accounted for.
"The consultant's numbers would be an additional cost of up to $340,000…Quaybog's numbers indicate that there could be a cost savings of $430,000," said Superintendent Colleen, summarizing the difference in approaches. Committee members asked where the missing 34 choice students had been accounted for and whether the receiving district treated some students as non-choice or included different surcharge rates. Several members emphasized that money should not be the only consideration: "The most important thing are the kids — where do they get the best education?" a committee member said.
The North Brookfield task force planned further deliberations and a follow-up meeting; the school committee expected to track the town's decision-making, including the consultant's assumptions, and return with more precise financial modeling. No formal vote was taken by the Quabbin committee at the meeting.
