The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District (HWRSD) Planning Committee convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss ongoing collaborations and financial frameworks with local select boards. The meeting focused on recent discussions between the select boards and the implications for capital projects within the district.

The session began with a request for updates on the latest meetings between the select boards. Committee members expressed a desire for clarity regarding the positions of each board and the outcomes of their discussions. It was noted that the next meeting is scheduled for April 22, but details from the previous meetings were still unclear.

A significant topic of discussion was a proposed financial framework for capital projects. One member outlined a plan where upfront costs would be paid, with a depreciation model suggesting a gradual reduction in costs over a ten-year period. The proposal included a mechanism for refunds should a building close before the end of its projected life.

The committee also addressed a recent letter from the Wilbraham Select Board, which proposed maintaining an 80-20 cost split for regional school funding. They suggested a shift to a 50-50 voting structure for capital projects, allowing for more equitable decision-making. However, the HWRSD committee expressed that they do not see the need for this change, preferring to maintain the current structure where Wilbraham would handle capital decisions independently.

As the meeting concluded, it was decided to postpone the upcoming meeting originally set for April 22, with plans to reconvene at a later date to further discuss these matters. The committee aims to clarify the financial responsibilities and decision-making processes regarding future capital projects in the district.