To the Editor:
Last week’s letter from the Sheffield Board of Selectmen represents a growing feeling of frustration among many residents in the Southern Berkshire Regional School District. The challenges and pain are apparent and repeated frequently. Only significant change will affect sustained tax relief and the progress is infuriatingly slow. On this point, I believe most agree. Where I diverge from the Sheffield Board’s view is in how we approach the challenges. Let it be clear that I am speaking for myself and not the entire New Marlborough Board of Selectmen.
We have long-term challenges that require long-term, thoughtful solutions. The factors contributing to our quandary lie beyond Southern Berkshire Regional School District, Berkshire County and even beyond the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Rural school districts all across the United States are facing decreasing population in schools that have been structured for larger populations. These factors are compounded by flat or decreasing state aid that is calculated at a disadvantage to such schools while the expectations put on schools is increasing. Teachers remain the greatest asset and must be paid reasonably but each year the premiums for their medical benefits rise with double-digit percentages.
Because the contributing factors lie beyond our immediate control does not mean we sit and wait for solutions. We have to diligently, thoughtfully and creatively work toward solutions with reasonable expectations for progress; progress that is further hindered because we are very divided on what solutions are acceptable. Most frequently discussed are consolidation and cuts to programs and staff. Neither is seen with general favorability.
Consolidation within our own district has been a point of contention for years. There are strong contingencies in favor of closing community schools and for preserving them. If we can’t agree within our own District, it does not seem reasonable to expect that consolidation or service sharing can be quickly accomplished with other districts.
Seemingly out of frustration, the Sheffield Board is asking for cuts that I don’t believe they are qualified to assess. They are also putting our school administration and committee in a “Catch 22” situation: If they relieve current year’s assessment by making cuts, they are accused of having a padded budget. If they do not make cuts, they are accused of not acting in good faith to assist Sheffield out of their under-assessed position.
Of the 15 Selectmen in our District, I am the only one who has children in the school. I believe I have the closest understanding of how the school is functioning during school hours. I have attended most budget meetings of the Finance Subcommittee and heard, to my satisfaction, that next year’s school services are budgeted at the same level as this school year with a projection of steady enrollment. (The only services proposed to increase are those for which need has increased: Student Services. The Director of Student Services expressed concern over the number of families who are distressed, affecting the ability of students to learn in school. I believe her.) At our meeting of the five Boards, Superintendent Hastings demonstrated that staff has, contrary to some assumptions, decreased during the last five years. Capital spending is proposed in an effort to maintain our buildings and avoid future complications. Unfortunately, many Selectmen continue to criticize the administration and request very specific changes without an understanding of current operations or the ramifications. Additionally, they favor a strategy of asking residents to vote against the school budget to apply pressure to further reduce next year’s budget.
The political pressure and misguided demands for short-term solutions are likely to result in small savings, diminished quality of education and a School District atmosphere that may inhibit other districts from working with us. Qualified people with cool heads might be discouraged from running for our School Committee positions at a time when we need five new members.
My faith in our Administration is steady and I welcome our new Business Manager, Christine Regan, with optimism. My gratitude to our School Committee members, who truly work tirelessly with little to repay them, is immense. Sandy Hubbard, our Director of Student Services (includes special education), might have the closest view of economic distress and its toll on our students. Her work is vital. My fellow selectmen are working arduously for a constituency with varying and sometimes conflicting needs. It is my hope to be with them in our efforts for many years.
Challenges will continue to exist in all forms of our government but, far from unraveling, I believe our schools are quite strong. I see children who are progressing, a supportive community and satisfied parents. It is a place where I enjoy spending time. The youthful, positive energy fostered there is contagious.
My request is that our budget frustration be paired with some faith and understanding. Let’s continue to question and influence with clarity in an effort toward a reasonable balance between short-term and long-term gains; questioning issues we are truly qualified and informed to question. Let’s recognize that we’re all being challenged with what seems nearly impossible and therefore we need patience and maybe some help from the State.
Michele Shalaby
New Marlborough
The writer is chairman of the New Marlborough Board of Selectmen.