To the editor:
While enjoying holidays, please consider constructive responses to likely school budget increases in the New Year. These budgets are currently being formulated. Despite small cuts or deferrals, we’ll soon be facing unsustainable expense levels. Declining populations coupled with escalating costs are main reasons. Increases will evoke emotional debates but will not yield needed structural and policy changes.
Forces of Change. Several efforts are underway to guide change: 1) Berkshire County Education Task Force (BCETF) on education reform; 2) Southern Berkshire Shared Services Project on consolidating duplicative costs; and 3) Regional Agreement Amendment Committee (for Berkshire Hills District) updating funding allocations, unchanged for 25 years.
There is no way to address all these issues without reorganizing our resources. Small modifications will only add to long-term costs. While reorganization is of great import, few people from the public have attended meetings. Why?
Problems. Too much money is spent on duplicative functions and structures, some is due to competition for out-of-district students. Instead of over-building, we should coordinate or combine resources regionally, freeing up funds for education. This would make “district-lines,” choice-in and tuition-in policies obsolete.
Rural Needs and Resources. Regional efforts, unimpeded by town borders, will better address the diverse needs of our rural student population. To prepare for adulthood and careers, students need access to broader programs, including advanced classes, specialized vocational studies, individual guidance, internships, mentoring and counseling. We should consider drawing on BCC, private and community resources. Equitable education funding across towns should be a presiding principle. We are part of a regional economy and students will serve our regional hospitals, employers and community that benefit us all.
Realignment. Many attractive jobs are unfilled because our workplace needs are not being met by a workforce with appropriate skills. We should regularly assess and realign our educational programs with current and future needs to bolster our economy and attract businesses.
Leadership. At the last BCETF meeting, [state Rep. William] Smitty Pignatelli called on town and school leaders to engage in discussions to reshape resources. Nothing will happen without the involvement of our communities. They and we need to be part of the solution and support departures from outdated models. Inaction mires us in the past and ensures financial unsustainability.
We need to hurry to catch up. I urge people to get involved:
- Organize discussion groups,
- Request a workforce/workplace survey before we spend money on specialized facilities,
- Increase education about the breakthrough initiatives of major foundations,
- Encourage involvement in creating solutions.
If you have constructive ideas, please voice them directly or email to BerkEducation123@Gmail.com. These will be forwarded to appropriate parties.
Sharon Gregory
Great Barrington
