“The Era of Manifestations” was a period from 1837 to the mid-1850s when Shakers came under a spiritual revival marked by visions and ecstatic experiences among the followers.
In popular districts like Berkshire Hills, there is mounting frustration from taxpayers about shouldering the bulk of what it costs to educate a child who comes from a town other than the three in the district: Stockbridge, West Stockbridge and Great Barrington.
BHRSD should set a time goal to bring the renovation back, say five years. Every repair/replacement should then be done with that in mind. I will advocate for doing the minimum required to maintain a level of safety during the interim.”
-- School Committee member Fred Clark
What many residents find puzzling, but can’t put their finger on, is why the renovation debate grew so heated. Some have wondered if there is another element at play, other than tax worries.
In his letter, Berkshire Hills Supt. Peter Dillon writes: "Recent posts on social media, letters and comments on radio programs are so filled with inaccuracies and glaring omissions that it makes sense to set the record straight. Our recent community dialogues about the high school renovation project have surfaced a range of concerns that may have been ignored for decades. We’re working hard to resolve them and are making significant progress."
In his letter, Lou Davis writes: "My objection is not to the cost of quality education, or paying the taxes necessary to support it. I do object to having my taxes subsidize out-of-District students."
In his letter to the editor, Richard Coons, chairman of the Monument Mountain Regional High School renovation project explains the facts about the 5-year process to develop a satisfactory renovation plan, and why it should be approved by voters on November 4.
Total revenue for Berkshire Hills from students choicing in to the district is $1,450,000. Subtracting what is lost by students choicing out, net revenue comes to $850,000.
