MCLA to Host Graduate Programs Info Session at BIC

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host information sessions for its graduate programs: Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (MEd) on Tuesday, May 14 at 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield. 
 
A virtual session will be held on May 30 at noon.
 
Prospective students are invited to meet with faculty, students, and staff to learn more about how to continue their education in two of MCLA's programs designed to support the rising workforce needs in the Berkshires and beyond. 
 
According to a press release: 
 
The MBA program is committed to redefining the educational experience by focusing on real-world application that drives meaningful change in the region's businesses and organizations. The program combines the best liberal arts principles with modern business studies, equipping students with the critical thinking skills needed to excel in today's dynamic business environment. It is a part-time 30-credit program structured in an accelerated hybrid learning model for working professionals and in partnership with the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC). 
 
The MEd Program offers a thoughtful blend of classroom and fieldwork experiences that prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their school communities. Programs include: MEd with Initial Licensure, Professional Teacher Licensure with MEd, MEd with Individualized Plan of Study Non-Licensure, Accelerated +1 Bachelor's Degree with MEd 
 
To register: ?MCLA Graduate Information Sessions or contact the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education at 413-662-5575.  

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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
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