05/22/2026
Dear PMSD Families and Community,
At the May 6 Paine Mountain School District board meeting, the board held an extensive discussion about possible long-term structural changes aimed at addressing rising education costs and ongoing budget challenges. Superintendent Matt Fedders presented three scenarios for the board to consider as the district plans for the future.
The board would like to thank the community for its support in approving the recent budget revote. At the same time, we recognize and understand the concerns expressed by community members who voted against the budget due to rising costs and tax pressures. Those concerns are being taken seriously and are a major reason the board is engaging in these long-term discussions about the future structure and sustainability of the district.
The three scenarios discussed were:
Scenario 1: Forming a new union school district with another district. This option would involve merging with neighboring districts and would require multiple approvals, cooperation between districts, and likely voter approval.
Scenario 2: Remaining an independent district while consolidating to one middle/high school. Under this option, one of Paine Mountain’s middle/high schools would close, with students attending the remaining school. This scenario would require voter approval.
Scenario 3: Transitioning Paine Mountain into a PK–8 district and tuitioning students in grades 9–12 to neighboring high schools. Students could potentially choose from designated area high schools, while the district would continue operating elementary and middle school programming. This scenario would also involve multiple approvals.
Board discussion focused on the financial impacts, student opportunities, transportation considerations, staffing impacts, and how pending statewide education reform proposals could affect future decisions. Board members expressed interest in further exploring Scenarios 2 and 3, noting the need to balance strong educational opportunities for students with long-term financial sustainability for taxpayers.
Student representatives also shared their perspectives, including support for giving students more high school choice options and access to established programs in neighboring districts.
At the conclusion of the discussion, the board authorized Superintendent Fedders to continue exploring Scenario 3, the possibility of tuitioning Paine Mountain students in grades 9–12 to neighboring high schools. Additional information and discussion are expected in the coming months as the district continues evaluating long-term options. Superintendent Fedders will concurrently explore Scenario 2, so the board has a full understanding of our options.
The next Paine Mountain School District Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 3, at 6:00pm at Williamstown Elementary School. Community members are encouraged to attend, listen to the discussion, and stay engaged as the board continues this important long-term planning work.
