Select Board directs town counsel not to join Wilberham regional‑school legal meeting

A Hampden Select Board member moved on March 9 to instruct the town’s attorney not to participate in a Wilberham‑led legal meeting about proposed changes to the regional school agreement governing capital expenditures at Wilberham Middle School; the board voted in favor of the motion.

Don, speaking at length, said the Wilberham Select Board had unilaterally instructed its town counsel to meet with regional school officials and suggested that such legal involvement would incur unnecessary taxpayer expense. He emphasized that Hampden has consistently supported changes to the regional agreement when warranted, has paid its share of regional assessments, and that longstanding building deficiencies are the responsibility of the owner town under the lease and regional agreement.

“[Wilberham] took the action unilaterally and Hampden has not agreed to this approach,” Don said, urging that Hampden’s legal counsel refrain from attending until the matter is more defined and any written proposals are shared for review.

Other board members said Hampden could review materials transmitted by Wilberham and engage counsel later if a legal review proved necessary. After discussion the motion to direct town counsel not to participate at this time was seconded and approved by the board; the transcript records a verbal 'All in favor' without a roll‑call tally.

Board members noted the regional core program review could recommend several paths — from a new school to additions — and that funding and timing questions remain; they asked staff to monitor developments and to coordinate on any requests for legal involvement.