In May 2023, Hatfield voters approved a $1.25 million override, followed by another $3.3 million override in May 2025. These unprecedented overrides funded a mix of public safety, infrastructure, and school projects but have led to significant increases in Hatfield’s property tax bills, which are driven by both rising tax rates and higher property valuations.

According to Massachusetts Department of Education statistics, Hatfield is the smallest school district in the state, with only 265 students enrolled in grades 1 through 12. If we include pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, the total increases to 310. Smith Academy, which serves grades 7 through 12 (not just 9 through 12 as many might think) has an enrollment of just 109 students, with 18 having graduated in 2025.

Projections for the next few years are equally low: 20, 14, and 9 students. These figures are troubling, particularly considering the substantial investment the town has made to increase School Choice enrollment. The earlier 2-1/2 override vote included funding to attract 40 more Choice students, but the net result was actually a loss of students.

Four recent Gazette articles highlight the growing demand for vocational education. Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School has introduced a lottery system for admission due to overcrowding (Gazette, May 30), Pathfinder Vocational Technical Regional High School in Palmer is expanding to accommodate 150 more students (Gazette, Oct. 19), the guest column, “A Unique Educational Resource in Northampton,” and another article, “Smith Voc to use weighted lottery for admission,” (both in the Gazette, Nov. 8).

The Pathfider piece describes the expansion into the former Cold Spring school in Belchertown and illustrates the growing need for vocational education facilities as other districts adapt to increasing demand. Given the sharp rise in tax bills — largely driven by education costs — and the consistently low enrollment at Smith Academy, it is time for Hatfield to explore new options.

Specifically, we should consider sending our high school students to a regional school, such as Frontier or Northampton, while keeping elementary education within Hatfield. A Smith Vocational satellite campus at the current Smith Academy site could provide a new, cost-effective vocational option for our students, with significant financial benefits for the town.

E Lary Grossman

Hatfield