In the actual world we live in with the actual options before us, there is no better option available than the one on the ballot. That is true financially (for which we have facts and numbers) and educationally (for which I am trusting the educators, administrators and community volunteers who worked on the plan for the past eight years).
"Great Barrington has a habit of putting off expensive public projects to the detriment of future generations, waiting until its older buildings desperately need repair and upgrade."
-- Karen Smith, Renovation Committee Chair
"What is untrue and troubling is the accusations that anyone representing Monument Matters or the District lied or hid any option from the public."
-- Stephen C. Bannon, chairman of the Berkshire Hills School Committee
In her letter, Julia Erickson of Housatonic calls on voters in the Berkshire Hills School District to wake up to the real need to renovate Monument Mountain High School: "By not investing now, when we have this incredible opportunity to get almost HALF the cost of this project paid for by the state of Massachusetts, is foolish. We will not have this opportunity again for a decade or more."
Dr. Mark Sprague of Stockbridge writes: "I urge the voting community of Berkshire Hills Regional School District to make sure that they have all the necessary information they need to make an informed decision and to vote proactively on Election Day for our children's future and renovate Monument Mountain High School."
“This is a clash of economic concerns with educational concerns. It’s going to be an ongoing theme. At what point does it get too expensive?"
--Carl Stewart, chairman of the Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee
Great Barrington resident David Long explains why his 'Draft Alternative Plan' to the proposed renovation of Monument Mountain Regional High School explores viable options not considered by the Berkshire Hills Building Committee.
Richard Coons, chair of the Monument Mountain Regional High School Building Committee advises that the so-called Alternative Approach to Renovating Monument "reflects a lack of knowledge of virtually every aspect of law, building planning, design, construction and educational program needs."
Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee member Rich Bradway deplores the misinformation and what he terms outright lies being circulated about the reasons for the proposed renovation of Monument Regional High School. He sets the record straight.
Family, friends and colleagues paint the picture of a humble, hard-working man, a generous spirit who gave his time and love to legions of youth -- troubled or not -- and to everyone who crossed his path, including those he didn’t even know.
Bits and bytes of news: No. Six Depot needs your vote; Muddy Brook PTA wins national award; peace and yoga on the shore of Lake Mansfield; Gina Hyams seeks Tanglewood picnic recipes.
“You have to ask ‘What’s the risk?’ in taking this proposal to the voters. There are attitudes out there.”
-- School Building Subcommittee Chair Richard Coons.
