Sheffield — On Wednesday, November 13, the Southern Berkshire Regional School District (SBRSD) hosted a Voices for Rural Education Showcase, with local and state legislators in attendance, including Russell Johnston, acting commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE); Joe Wyman from the DESE Office of College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE); CCTE Associate Commissioner Elizabeth Bennett; Joann Shrugue, representing Congressman Richard Neal; State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, who represents the 3rd Berkshire District; and State Representative-elect Leigh Davis, who will take office in January 2025. Dignitaries toured the district’s schools and discovered how SBRSD is leveraging its funding to enhance student learning experiences with state-of-the-art programs like Early College, Innovation Career Pathways, and BerkStudio. Holding this event gave members from the five towns and school administrators the opportunity to make a case for why the state of Massachusetts should fully fund rural school aid.
In 2019, the Student Opportunity Act passed legislation aiming to address disparities in funding and resources between school districts across the state. Due to the state’s funding formula, the Student Opportunity Act did not fully account for the unique operating differences for rural school districts such as higher operational costs and smaller student populations.
“This event gave our local and state legislators the chance to experience firsthand how rural school districts like ours are reimagining education for students,” said Superintendent Dr. Regulbuto. “It also allowed us to discuss how fully funding rural education aid would significantly benefit our district, ease financial pressures on our five member towns, and ensure we can continue providing high-quality, innovative learning experiences for all of our students.”
At the event’s opening, guests were welcomed by the Mount Everett band, who performed “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones at the main entrance to the building. Dr. Regulbuto addressed all attendees during a short assembly where she introduced Commissioner Johnston. In his remarks, Commissioner Johnston expressed his gratitude to the administration for the opportunity to explore the school and its programs, sharing his enthusiasm for the experience ahead.
The presentation continued with an excerpt from the most recent school production of “Twelfth Night,” followed by a teaser video created by students where they interviewed their peers, who described their experiences and opportunities they have found in the school’s academics, including the breakthrough programs of Innovation Pathways and Early College. After the assembly, school administrators escorted small groups of attendees on personal tours throughout the building to see SBRSD’s educational offerings in action.
“We were thrilled to showcase several of our high school programs, including Early College Innovation Pathways and BerkStudio, as well as some of our elementary programs and extracurricular offerings,” said Mount Everett Principal Jesse Carpenter. “This event also gave our students the chance to share all of their hard work and engage with local and state representatives highlighting the value of what we offer here in Southern Berkshire.”
