Hoosac Valley Regional committee votes to close school choice to new applicants for 2026–27

The Hoosac Valley Regional School Committee voted unanimously on Feb. 9 to close school choice to new applicants for the 2026–2027 school year after hearing administration warnings about capacity and cost pressures.

Administration recommended setting school choice openings at zero, noting elementary class sizes of about 19–20 students, a possible middle-school section reaching 24 students, and high school averages of about 19 students per section. Administrators also reported that of 42 current choice-in students, 18 receive special-education services, a higher percentage than the district average, and cautioned that adding choice students could require additional staffing and specialized services that tuition (about $5,000 per choice student) would not fully cover.

On a motion by John Duval, seconded by Adam Emerson, the committee voted to close school choice to new applicants; the motion passed unanimously. The committee clarified that the closure applies only to new applicants and that current choice students and their associated tuition revenue will continue.

Why it matters: School choice affects enrollment balance, staffing needs and district revenue. With classes near capacity and special-education costs rising, the district said limiting new choice students is a step to avoid unplanned staffing increases and protect program quality.

Next steps: The district will implement the closing for new applicants for 2026–27 and continue budget planning with Committee and town officials to address staffing and service needs.