WILBRAHAM – The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District will host an informational session for voters detailing the outcomes of approving and rejecting middle school unification prior to Town Meeting votes, which are set to take place in both towns on Oct. 24.

Hampden and Wilbraham residents must vote to amend a regional agreement, which would allow students from Thornton W. Burgess Middle School (TWB) to be moved to Wilbraham Middle School (WMS).

Superintendent of Schools Albert Ganem Jr. told Reminder Publications the informational session would take place at Minnechaug Regional High School on Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

When asked what his position is on the middle school unification issue, Ganem stated he has chosen to remain impartial at this time.

“You guys have to vote and tell me what direction you want to go in,” he explained. “You’re telling me what direction you want to go in. Here’s what I can provide you educationally if you unify; here’s what I can provide you if you don’t unify. By your vote, you’re telling me if I go with plan A or plan B.”

Ganem said the presentation of both plans would include the costs to the district as well.

“I think it’s very important that we provide as much information that we can provide at this time and be very clear about the information we’re providing as well,” he noted.

He said there is a survey on the district’s website that asks residents to submit any new questions or areas of concern that need additional clarification and to submit them by Oct. 2.

To submit a question for the survey, visit www.hwrsd.org/pages/Hampden-Wilbraham_RSD/News/Middle_School_Survey. Individuals could also drop off questions at the district office.

“I don’t want anybody to think that they don’t have all the information,” Ganem said. “That’s why I think this is the last effort or my first effort as superintendent … to really say, ‘Here it is. Here’s the last chance. Ask any questions.’ There’ll be a group of people from the School Committee and the Middle School Task Force that will be looking at these questions and answering those questions.”

Ganem said he hopes people would be able to see “academically and educationally” what they would be voting for.

“I’m hoping that people come in there and get their information so they can make an informed decision,” he added. “I would hope that everyone would come to that meeting on the 18th and really listen to what we’re saying educationally and then make the decision there. I hope anybody wouldn’t make their final decision.”

A new middle school study created by the New England League of Middle Schools was also recently completed and released.

When asked to comment on the study, Ganem declined, noting that the district’s leadership team is still analyzing the information currently.

According to the study, TWB’s weaknesses are its small enrollment, limited special classes and offerings of 21st century skill programs, staff instability, lack of resources, teachers having to teach across grade levels and multiple subjects, and an aging facility.

WMS’ weaknesses include a dated facility and a decline in availability of special courses due to reduced resources.

It also lists the strengths of a single middle school, which include children having the same program offerings as well as financial gains and reduced costs.

The weaknesses of the unified middle school model listed in the study include the possibility of students becoming “lost” in a large student body, the loss of a close knit community, challenges in forming teacher and student relationships, difficulties in assimilating the two student bodies, potential travel times, and needed improvements to either building.  

The study also lists recommendations, which include taking steps to ensure consistent and long-term plans for scheduling and staffing, developing a plan to engage staff in both schools to align curriculum, and restoring special course offerings.