Rural schools week of action ‘shows some muscle’: Buckland-Shelburne fifth graders visit State House

BOSTON — About two dozen fifth graders from Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School traveled to the State House on Wednesday to see where legislators rule on the bills that they feel matter to Massachusetts, and to share their thoughts on what matters to them — namely, funding for rural schools.

“Just because rural schools have less people doesn’t mean they deserve less money,” said student Marcus Von Bujdoss.

The students and their teachers traveled to the State House in the midst of the Rural and Declining Enrollment Schools Week of Action, which calls on schools facing challenges with stagnant state aid and soaring operating costs to share their struggles and demand increased funding for rural school aid, as well as Chapter 70 formula changes that would equitably fund rural schools.

In fiscal year 2026, $12 million was allocated for rural school aid in the state budget, and the governor has proposed that be increased to $20 million in the FY27 budget. However, in a 2022 report, Special Commission on Rural School Districts recommended that rural school aid make up at least $60 million in funding.

Buckland-Shelburne Elementary is part of the Mohawk Trail Regional School District, which is preparing to cut 6.5 teaching jobs and 12 paraprofessionals across its schools as part of a $28.9 million FY27 operating budget. The district is anticipating receiving $900,000 in rural school aid. During a budget hearing earlier this year, Business Administrator William Lataille said that if Senate and House legislators cut rural aid in their versions of the state budget, the district will need to eliminate even more positions.

Press Secretary Jacqueline Manning said Gov. Maura Healey appreciates the efforts of young people who speak up about the challenges of rural education. She added that the governor supports funding rural schools and that the $20 million funding proposal in her draft of the state’s FY27 budget is now before the House of Representatives for review.

“Gov. Healey always enjoys seeing students come to the State House and make their voices heard. It’s inspiring to see young people advocating for their schools and communities,” Manning said in a statement. “The governor understands the unique challenges rural districts face, which is why she has doubled rural school aid since taking office, increased funding for regional transportation and special education that particularly benefit rural communities, and fully funded the Student Opportunity Act. Her FY27 budget builds on that progress with a significant increase in rural school aid and additional support for school districts across Massachusetts.”

Buckland-Shelburne Elementary students were shown the state Senate and House chambers by Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, and given the chance to sit in the seats of elected officials and consider what motions they would make if they served on the Legislature.

Students said they wanted more money for their school, specifically for playground and sports equipment, to pay their teachers, to buy classroom supplies and for better lunches.

“We should give schools more money. Urban schools get a lot of money but rural schools don’t,” Marcus said. “We need to make it fair.”

Students presented Mark with a bunch of cards noting their concerns and asked him to pass them along to his colleagues who may not be as familiar with the challenges that rural schools face. Mark told the students that hearing from the people he represents is the best way to help him advocate for them in the chambers.

“This is a great way to help me when I argue,” Mark told the children. “When you send me, or your representative, when you send us cards, letters and emails, this is how we know what people are talking about so we can make the best argument for you.”

As part of the week of action, Mohawk Trail Regional School students traveled to the State House on Monday to push for increased funding, Shutesbury community members encircled Shutesbury Elementary School on Tuesday and the Frontier Student Council will lead a school rally on Thursday, among other events.

During a phone interview on Wednesday morning, state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, said it’s been great to see all the action being taken to advocate for rural schools, and she hopes to use the momentum to enact change for the benefit of rural districts that face declining enrollment.

“My inbox is full of advocacy and it’s thrilling to me,” she said. “This rural schools week of action shows some muscle and the power we have behind that muscle when we work together.”