Town of Holden v. Wachusett Regional School District Committee

Summary

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts held that the Commissioner of Education has authority to approve or disapprove amendments to regional school district agreements. The court affirmed judgment against Holden, concluding that the commissioner lawfully rejected a proposed amendment that would have imposed a disproportionate financial burden on Rutland, the district’s less affluent member town. The court did not reach Holden’s challenge to the substance of the commissioner’s decision.

Holdings

1. The commissioner of education has authority to approve or disapprove amendments to regional school district agreements.
2. 603 Code Mass. Regs. § 41.03(3) is valid and authorizes the commissioner to review and approve or disapprove all subsequent amendments to regional school district agreements.
3. The commissioner's review and disapproval of the proposed amendment was a lawful exercise of his authority.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the commissioner of education had authority under the Regional School District Act, the Education Reform Act, and applicable regulations to approve or disapprove subsequent amendments to a regional school district agreement.
2. Whether 603 Code Mass. Regs. § 41.03(3), which requires commissioner approval or disapproval of regional school district agreements and subsequent amendments, was validly promulgated.
3. Whether the commissioner's disapproval of the proposed Wachusett agreement amendment was a lawful exercise of authority.

Disposition

affirmed