‘Rural schools have been left behind’: At summit, educators push for more rural school aid amid rising costs

HADLEY — At a recent Rural Schools Summit with state education leaders, Hadley Superintendent Anne McKenzie and other rural school officials pressed for consistent funding of rural school aid and a formula that no longer ties state aid almost entirely to enrollment. McKenzie said the western Massachusetts legislative delegation will play a critical role in drawing attention to the challenges rural districts face, as a newly revived state commission called the Foundation Budget Review Committee analyzes how Massachusetts funds its schools. “Without continued advocacy and decisive action, we risk losing not only educational opportunities for students, but also institutions that are central to the strength and vitality of our rural communities,” McKenzie said. “We must build on the progress already made and work together to ensure a sustainable future for rural education.” The summit, held Nov.

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