Readsboro school closure leads to more uncertainty

To the Editor:
In March of this year, the voters of Readsboro chose to make the school district non-operational. When the school board placed this item on the ballot, and during the meetings leading up to the vote, it was clear that many believed the measure would pass. Given that expectation, one would think there would have been significant pre-planning and coordination to support the families who would suddenly be faced with choosing a new school for the 2026–2027 school year.
I have been greatly disappointed in the Readsboro School Board and for Superintendent Bill Bazyk in what appears to be a lack of forethought, communication, and coordination during this transition.
After the March vote, families were told there would be an informational meeting within the next couple of weeks. That did not happen. Since then, school board meetings have often created more questions than answers.
A survey was sent to families asking what information they wanted about potential receiving schools. My family never received answers to those frequently asked questions. It seems the superintendent could have coordinated a clear informational guide comparing schools, transportation, programming, special education supports, extracurricular opportunities, and other important details so families were not left researching everything on their own.
I appreciate the open houses held at local schools. However, even at those events, many questions could not be answered because representatives from the receiving schools stated they were still waiting for information from the Readsboro School Board and administration themselves.
Now there appears to be frustration that not all families have selected a school yet because the district cannot move forward with additional planning. The reality is that many of us still do not feel we have enough information to make such a significant decision for our children.
Choosing a school is not a minor decision. Families deserve transparency, organization, and coordinated support during a transition of this magnitude.
What has been especially disheartening is the public rhetoric surrounding some members of the Readsboro school community. During discussions leading up to and following the vote, it was publicly mentioned in derogatory ways that Readsboro has a high percentage of students with IEPs. Rather than using that as motivation to provide detailed information and reassurance to families with special education needs, some comments instead contributed to stigma and division.
Additionally, the gender identity of some members of the school community was publicly mocked during community discussions. I requested that Superintendent Bazyk issue a statement affirming that the Windham Southwest Supervisory Union supports and is committed to providing equal access to education for all students regardless of disability, gender identity or other protected characteristics. He chose not to do so.
At a time when families are already navigating uncertainty and loss, leadership matters. Compassion, communication, and coordination should have been prioritized from the very beginning.
Asa Whitcomb Jones
Readsboro