BFAIR Appoints Director of Employee Development

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Family and Individual Resources has appointed Noelle Crawford as the new director of learning and employee development. 
 
Crawford brings a wealth of experience in human resources and customer service to the organization, along with a strong educational background. 
 
She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Massachusetts College of Liberat Arts and has built a diverse professional portfolio with roles including customer service representative for 403b plans, marketing specialist, and group benefits coordinator. She is well-versed in training, licensing, onboarding, leadership, human resources coordination, and Human Resource Information Systems. 
 
In her new role, Crawford will spearhead the development of comprehensive training programs designed to support employee career growth, foster leadership skills, and align with BFAIR's strategic objectives. Her proven expertise in operational efficiency, cross-functional leadership, and process improvement solutions positions her as an excellent fit for this vital role, according to BFAIR officials
 
"Please join us in welcoming Noelle to her new role with BFAIR," said Michelle Baity, senior vice president of human resources. "We are excited to have her join our team to further enhance our Human Resources department to ensure that we are providing support for our employees through training and development to better assist the individuals and families supported by BFAIR."
 
She said Crawford's appointment underscores BFAIR's dedication to investing in its employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. 

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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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