Times have changed, but the formula remains stuck in 1949. The wealth disparities between neighboring towns simply did not exist at anything like their current scale. The founders of the regional school system could not have foreseen the inequity their formula has imposed on most towns today.
The largest incentive (up to 6 additional percentage points) to increase state reimbursement lies in the formation of a new school district as part of the building project. That incentive might resonate with South County residents because of declining enrollments.
"Great Barrington has a habit of putting off expensive public projects to the detriment of future generations, waiting until its older buildings desperately need repair and upgrade."
-- Karen Smith, Renovation Committee Chair
