School board spending questioned

HARDWICK – After receiving the information I requested from the superintendent, Mountainview Elementary School District Board, director of operations and the director of finance, I thought I would share what everyone should know. Sorry for the length but it’s worth reading, in my opinion.
Woodbury Elementary [School] is projected to serve just 41 students, yet operates with an adopted budget of $1,122,983.21. At the same time, the building faces at least $699,139.74 in necessary safety, code and infrastructure repairs, and none of these repair costs are included in the adopted budget. This raises serious concerns about student safety, code compliance and the long-term viability of continuing to use a facility the district does not own.
Among the most urgent issues: The fire escape must be removed and rebuilt to meet fire code, and basement window wells must be installed for the building to legally continue housing students ($395,896.00).
The school’s drinking water is not currently safe to drink (estimated $75,000). It is unclear whether a forgivable loan would be approved, and the district has not determined whether the solution would be installing a treatment system or drilling a new well.
The elevator and control system are at the end of their useful life, are considered obsolete, and replacement parts are no longer manufactured ($113,875.00).
Additional concerns include a failing hot water heater ($4,000), aging carpeting (no estimate), and deteriorating non-commercial exterior doors in the community room that need replacement ($10,368.74).
The nurse’s office does not have a sink, creating a hygiene and sanitation issue. Installing one may require significant plumbing work, though no cost estimate is available.
Playground equipment at Woodbury is near the end of its useful life and requires a replacement plan ($100,000). By contrast, Hardwick Elementary recently replaced its playground, meaning consolidation would allow all students access to updated equipment rather than investing in another separate playground at a second facility.
While these serious facility needs remain unfunded, all requested new positions for FY27 were removed from the budget: a full-time guidance counselor, literacy interventionist, three instructional assistants, a part-time library position and a Pre-K teacher. These cuts directly affect student academic, social-emotional and early learning support.

At the same time, Hardwick Elementary [School] has the capacity to serve all students in the district. If consolidation were seriously considered, the substantial funds that would be required to address Woodbury’s unresolved building issues could instead be invested in direct instruction, intervention services and student supports that benefit all children.
This situation also raises broader concerns about equitable learning opportunities. Continuing to operate a school with significant unresolved facility and safety issues, while eliminating student support positions district-wide, risks creating disparities in both learning conditions and access to services. Students deserve safe, healthy environments and equal access to the academic and support resources they need to succeed.

At this time, there is no known or publicly communicated plan for how or when these necessary repairs would be completed. There is also a growing lack of public understanding about why consolidation is not being more seriously considered as a solution that could improve safety, equity and educational opportunities for all students in the district.

Community members are encouraged to attend the annual Mountain View Elementary School Board Meeting on February 24, to ask for clarity on these issues. The proposed school budget will ultimately be voted on by constituents on Town Meeting Day, making public understanding and engagement especially important.

Doreen Cota is a Hardwick resident.

Doreen Cota