The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee voted on several formal motions at its March 20 meeting, approving limited school-choice seats, updates to the high school program of studies (including three courses designated as advanced coursework), and authorizations to submit three statements of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The committee also passed a resolution urging state FY 2026 education funding reforms.

The committee approved the districts recommendation to open a small number of school-choice and METCO seats: four (4) first-grade seats at Green Meadows Elementary and four (4) fifth-grade seats at Sewell Road Elementary. The motion to accept the recommendation carried by recorded affirmation: motion carries 5 to 0.

The committee also voted to update the Minnechaug Regional High School program of studies. The changes presented were largely codification or rewording of existing courses to meet the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) description of advanced coursework; additions included expanded language for forensic science and a genetics course, a music appreciation/arts designation and a Project Lead The Way-ish engineering design course. The motion to approve the program-of-studies changes was seconded and carried (committee recorded vote: unanimous).

On school facilities, the committee authorized the superintendent to submit three MSBA statement-of-interest (SOI) forms, each using the statutory Priority 5 category (replacement, renovation or modernization of building systems) for the following buildings: Mile Tree Elementary School (roof and exterior doors/windows to maintain the envelope and increase energy conservation and security); Stony Hill Elementary School (roof and exterior windows); and Wilbraham Middle School (exterior doors and windows). The motions used the MSBAs required language acknowledging that an SOI does not guarantee MSBA approval or grant funding; the three motions were seconded and carried by voice affirmation.

Separately, the committee unanimously adopted a resolution supporting a proposed FY 2026 K9612 funding package promoted by regional education associations (MARS, MASS, MASC, MASSPO, MTA, AFT) that would use surplus FY 2024 funds to raise targeted state funding lines (circuit breaker, regional transportation and chapter 70 inflation adjustments) and urged local stakeholders and legislators to support the measures.

Other formal items: the committee referred the question of formal "honorable status" / honor roll determination language to the policy subcommittee (motion carried 5 to 0). The committee accepted the consent agenda by unanimous voice vote.

Where formal roll-call vote lists were not provided in the transcript, motions are presented with the committee's announced outcomes exactly as recorded on the public meeting record.