Letter: Vote No on Greylock School Proposal

To the Editor:

I'm writing today to express my concerns about the proposition to build a new K-2 school to replace the current K-2 school, Brayton Elementary. There are several reasons why voters should vote "No" on this proposal: the declining school population, the tax burden on the citizens of North Adams and our crumbling infrastructure.

It was projected that by the time the build is completed, there will be only 250 children attending this school. In addition to that, the cost of the bond (approximately $270 on average per year) will be pushed to the taxpayers of North Adams.

The tax increase of $270 is really for the next few years, but with taking a $20 million loan for 30 years that number could easily grow to a 10 percent or more tax increase over the longevity of the loan. Forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for the next 30 years. The reason this tax increase will happen is because of the decreasing tax base of the city. When there's not enough people to cover the bill for the school, the taxes will inevitably go up. This tax increase will affect the elderly who are in a fixed income, and tenants that pay rent and already struggling to pay the rent because of taxes and inflation.

Second reason this proposal is not a great idea to go through with is we already have several schools that could be renovated and reused. Brayton is only 30 years old. Most schools in this area are 50 years or older and aren't going through a new school process or even a renovation. It would be in our city's best interest to reinvest in the infrastructure we currently have. We could rebuild Brayton to make it friendly and probably reduce the cost of the build, that was also suggested in several proposals but the city opted to move forward with trying to build a new school.

Lastly instead of spending $65 million on a new school, we should instead take the grant money and reinvest it into our failing infrastructure. (Editor's note: MSBA money can only be used for the Greylock project.)

There's been several complaints of fire hydrants not working in town, which has led to the destruction of several homes over the past few years. Also with the roads and waterways in North Adams deteriorating, the money would be better spent on rebuilding our failing infrastructure and trying to attract new business to bring new families into the city and expand the tax base.

In conclusion, it would be in the city's best interest not to build a new school given the fact that the town isn't currently generating enough tax revenue to fix its failing infrastructure. Bonding a $65 million new school project which will inevitably cost more than the initial $65 million estimate will place a considerable burden on North Adams taxpayers. I propose focusing on rebuilding the community by investing in our failing infrastructure and starting from a ground up approach. We could revitalize the existing school structures where possible. This would save money, keep our taxes where they are and reinvest in the future of this city.

Please consider voting "No" on Oct. 8.

Scott Berglund
North Adams, Mass.

Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
07:25AM / Sunday, March 15, 2026

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 fulling 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.