The moon has been an important subject in English poetry dating back to Chaucer in the 14th century, who was an astronomer as well as a poet. There is a crater on the far side of the moon named for Chaucer.
Contrary to what many district critics have said, Great Barrington alone accounts for 54.21 percent of the district's budgeted revenue but the town has 72 percent of the in-district enrollment, or 53.51 percent of total enrollment.
He was an amateur astronomer and gave lectures at the Williams College Planetarium. He loved classical music and composed music symphonies. Pat was also an accomplished pianist.
"There’s really no difference in the support for public education between people who happen to live in Great Barrington or happen to live Stockbridge or West Stockbridge. If that’s true, that means that everyone in the district should be willing to bear the same level of taxation."
-- Chip Elitzer of Great Barrington, addressing BHRSD School Committee
