To the editor:
I am running as a write-in candidate for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District school committee. I have lived in the District for 32 years and have had children in school over most of that time. I think that we have experienced the best and the worst of the district. I find the schools are very solid now with good leadership.
My profession has been working with children and families as a pediatric nurse practitioner in Pittsfield. I have just retired and believe that I can now use my energy and background to be a good committee member. I have also been a secondary school teacher in the Peace Corps and a public health volunteer in Ghana and Ethiopia. I have organized and led Girl Scout troops, post-Katrina rebuilding groups, a Stockbridge weekly community dinner and a BHRSD food backpack summer program.
At this time of declining enrollments and increasing costs we must be the premier district with the best education for all our students. If we can expand the district we can also expand out tax base. Many surrounding towns and villages have few students and strong real estate. BHRSD brings families to the Berkshires so their children can partake of our excellent facilities (except the high school), teachers and staff. Music, theatre and sports are important components for our schools as well as a variety of programs from early kindergarten to chess. Science teaching does need support similar to that for math and reading.
Moving forward BHRSD must provide training for all faculty in becoming trauma sensitive and culturally aware. Children need tools to help them in a world where violence is experienced daily via media and sometimes even at home.
We must find the most cost efficient way to renew the high school for at least five more generations.
I will work hard to continue our community task of preparing children for the rapidly changing world into which they will graduate.
Anne Hutchinson
2 Lake Ave.
Great Barrington, Mass.
