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Arthur Alpert, left, Michael Case and Bonny DiTomasso were thanked by Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis and Chair Richard Peters for their service on the Central Berkshire Regional School Committee. The three are not running for re-election.

Write-Ins Needed for CBRSD Committee Vacancies

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — Last Thursday's Central Berkshire School Committee meeting marked the end of term for three members, who have decided not to run for their seats again. 
 
The committee said goodbye to Vice Chair Bonny DiTomasso and members Art Alpert and Michael Case. 
 
These members have given their time and passion to improve the district, committee Chair Richard Peters said. 
 
"Their support has been invaluable to the families and students at Central Berkshire [by] making sure we have the right resources and their input around their knowledge about teaching and learning and social, social and emotional learning," Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis said.  
 
Voters will have many decisions to make during the Nov. 5 elections, including a new president, five ballot questions, and a new state representative for the Third Berkshire District.
 
They will also decide how to fill eight School Committee seats, six of which will require write-in votes. 
 
Dalton has three open committee seats, while Becket, Hinsdale, and Washington each have one. Since no candidates are running for these positions, they will need to be filled through write-in votes. 
 
The Peru and Windsor seats also have vacancies. Peru's Planning Board member Kimberly Wetherell is running for the Peru School Committee seat, and School Committee member Elizabeth Lounsbury is running for re-election in Windsor. 
 
DiTomasso, Alpert, and Case were presented each with a floral arrangement.
 
DiTomasso has been on the committee for 8 1/2 years, Alpert for six years, and Case for almost 13 years. 
 
Case said he learned a lot about small-town politics, how to work with others, and gained an appreciation of community during his tenure.
 
A highlight of DiTomasso's time on the committee was getting Wahconah Regional High School built $2 million under budget during a pandemic. 
 
Alpert said school boards often get a bad reputation, but this school committee has worked together for the betterment of the school community, the children, and the staff. 

Tags: CBRSD,   election 2024,   

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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