MCLA Education Department to Host Professional Development Evening at BIC

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The MCLA Alumni Association and the MCLA Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will gather at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) in Pittsfield this September for an evening of professional development and networking. 
 
The event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. at the BIC (45 Woodlawn Ave., Pittsfield). Alumni and guests will hear from MCLA education experts and their insights on the latest trends, strategies, and innovations. Registration is free and requested by Sept. 16, and includes light bites and a drink ticket.  
 
"We're starting to combine events with alumni and our current educators in the field," said Lynette Bond, Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at MCLA. “It's great for everyone to have a chance to network and talk through challenges and opportunities about what's happening in the field today." 
 
MCLA Associate Professor of Education Dr. Maggie Clark will present on the current and new programming at the college, while other presenters and educators will talk about developments in the field, including resources for educators working on emergency teaching licenses. 
 
For more information and registration visit https://www.mcla.edu/academics/graduate/index.php or contact alumni@mcla.edu.  

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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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