Originally signed in 2007, the agreement automatically renewed unless either party provided a termination notice in writing. Additionally with the notification, Keene has invited Winchester to develop an implementation plan for the termination by identifying solutions to minimize any negative impact on students.
Twice over the last nine years, Winchester has requested to modify the agreement to not require all of their students to be sent to Keene High. The agreement stipulates that Winchester agrees to send all of its pupils in grades 9 through 12 to Keene High School, and that Keene will accept all of the students. Keene will continue to do so until the end of the 2026-2027 school year.
As a result of the repeated request from Winchester, the Keene School District has recognized that they are unable to provide the flexibility Winchester desires while maintaining the same expectations they have with nine other districts that send students to Keene for schooling. The other districts that tuition their students to Keene, some dating back to the 1960s, send all of their pupils to Keene and in return, Keene has accepted all of those students. Having that arrangement in place enables the Keene School District to prepare a responsible budget for approval to meet the needs of students. The consistency and predictability of enrollment also ensures a stable staffing model and minimizes the addition and reduction of staff on an annual basis, which makes Keene a desirable place to live, learn and teach.
It should also be noted that the termination of the existing tuition agreement with Winchester does not prevent the two districts from seeking a subsequent or alternative agreement, nor will it affect any other Keene tuition agreement.