From the Desk of Superintendent Peter Dillon — Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD)

Great Barrington and West Stockbridge overwhelmingly approved the school budget on Monday May 1st. Now, we're hoping Stockbridge voters do the same on May 15th at its Town Meeting. Our budget is on our website and in the town library. We also have copies in my office. Increases are largely driven by contractual obligations, transportation contracts, and utility rates. Simultaneously, we continue to expand our grant writing and have raised more than $4 million in additional funds to support our work. We look forward to seeing you at Town Meeting.

As our work moves forward, we're focusing on two themes: rigor and relevance. We continue to expand our CVTE (vocational programs) and are in the process of receiving approval for our expanded early childhood program as well as programs in business and small manufacturing. We are also doing a lot to support students who were impacted negatively by COVID-19. That impact can be seen in social and academic interactions as well as connections to each other.

As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions — Peter.Dillon@bhrsd.org

For future updates, I'll share some details on our shifts in learning and teaching and outcomes at the 9th and 10th grade levels.

A favorite SU photographer goes to Greece. Photo: Joan Gallos