Last year, the event was held outside at Monument Mountain's track. However, four hours into the event, a microburst storm hit the track, destroying the event area. This year, event organizer Ray Gardino told The Berkshire Edge they are not taking any chances and will hold the event indoors.
The Baker-Polito administration announced steps to keep vulnerable families in their homes, preserve the health and safety of low-income renters and homeowners, and prevent homelessness due to reduced or lost income.
In a letter to the editor, Dennis Sears writes, "After deliberation, the group of eight town Regional School District Planning Committees and/or the two Regional School District Planning Committees meet and form a “Regional School District Planning Board,” which then organizes and moves down the formal path of investigation, analysis and planning, including meetings with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, etc., through the more detailed part of the process."
Forming a new or combined district, as both have indicated a willingness to explore, could take a minimum of two to three years. In addition, there would need to be a transition period of several months to a year.
School districts across the Commonwealth will benefit from updates to the existing Chapter 70 funding formula, along with increased state investment in other vital education aid programs such as transportation, school construction and renovation and special education.
School committee members noted that the driving force behind the merger should be greater opportunity for students and a desire "to keep education strong" in the two districts amid declining enrollments.
The Edge recently sat down with Hinds in his Pittsfield office to discuss his proudest accomplishments, how to align workforce development needs with the education system, and his hopes and concerns about the rollout of recreational marijuana in the state, among other things.
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means fiscal year 2020 budget proposal released Wednesday appropriates $1.5 million for the Rural School Aid grant program.
Any new initiatives will build on the school’s strong pre-existing relationships with businesses and nonprofits, fostered in part through its longstanding internship program, which sends dozens of students into the community each year for a portion of the school day.
Sen. Adam G. Hinds, D-Pittsfield, has announced that he has been appointed to co-chair the Special Commission on Improving Efficiencies in Student Transportation by Senate President Karen E. Spilka, D-Ashland.
There was not the population for a dedicated vocational school and, over time, the number of programs offered dwindled. Now individual fields will not be stressed so much as the habits of mind and preparation to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
A report filed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in January found that rural districts across the Commonwealth face unique challenges that impact their ability to deliver quality services to their students.
The bill implements the recommendations of the bipartisan Foundation Budget Review Commission, which found that the foundation budget formula is drastically underestimating education costs.
More than 50 faith leaders and supporters representing at least 15 different faith traditions will confront Gov. Charlie Baker Monday, March 26, at the Statehouse about his refusal to meet with them regarding their concerns over climate change.
