Region One to begin school study in September

FALLS VILLAGE – The Region One Board of Education voted Monday, June 1, to move forward with a broad organizational study that could shape the future of education in the Northwest Corner. The study will run from September 2026 to May 2027, with findings expected to be presented in June 2027.

The board also approved expanding the study from kindergarten through grade eight to include Housatonic Valley Regional High School, making it a K-12 review. Six member towns will decide this summer whether to participate. Communities that opt out will not be included in the study’s findings.

Region One Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley emphasized that the goal of the study is to provide information, not to recommend a course of action.

Brady-Shanley said she and Region One Business Manager Sam Herrrick will run the study, drawing on state and local resources as needed, but do not intend to hire outside consultants.

“The purpose of this organizational study is to evaluate the Region’s K–8 structure to ensure long-term educational excellence, equity, and fiscal sustainability,” Brady-Shanley said.

The board highlighted the issue of declining enrollment in several smaller schools while operational costs continue to rise. The study will clearly outline the financial and educational realities of the Region’s current model so that each local board of education and community can make informed, data-driven decisions about their school, Brady-Shanley added.

Community identity will also be a focal point of the study and will examine the importance of local schools.

“We get a lot of questions, and we don’t always have the answers,” she said. “If nothing else happens at least we’ll be educated on the information.”