Moderator: Kevin Moran, Executive Editor, The Berkshire eagle

Pro: The six members of the 8Town Regional School District Planning Board that worked for three years answering the question: are we better together? 

Anti: Three people representing those opposed to the merger: Jane Burke (Founder/Director Flying Cloud — Great Barrington), Kevin Fish (Advancement Services — John Jay College – Sandisfield), and Renee Wood (Select Borad member – Sheffield). 

Those in favor of the merger relied upon three variables: declining population (including declining enrollment), increased costs, and decreasing Commonwealth contribution to local schools. Although they pointed out that a proposed merger was turned down in the 1950, 1980, 1990, and 2009, they felt it was the only plan and the best plan to increase class size, increase teacher salaries, offer more courses, and pay for a new high school building.

Those opposed did not accept the data. They did not accept that past statistics predict future statistics. They did not agree that larger classes were better, and while they were not rejecting a merger entirely, they were absolutely opposed to the present plan. They suggested, “vote no”, and then return to the negotiating table.

In order for the proposed merger to pass, all eight towns must vote in favor. Seven of the eight agreed to hold their special town meetings on the same date (October 23). Egremont is holding its special town meeting prior to October 23rd. Even if Egremont votes no, all present, regardless of being pro or con, urged the other seven towns to hold the meeting and vote on the proposal.