Dr. Curtiss Joins Gastroenterology Professional Services at North Adams Regional Hospital

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems has announced the appointment of James Curtiss, MD, to Gastroenterology Professional Services, practicing in the North Adams Regional Hospital office and providing gastroenterology and endoscopy services for North Berkshire patients. 
 
Dr. Curtiss is accepting new patients.
 
Dr. Curtiss received his medical degree and completed a Fellowship in Gastroenterology from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine from the University of Virginia School of Medicine.  Dr. Curtiss has over 20 years’ experience as a gastroenterologist.  He has practiced the last seven years at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia.  
 
He is a General Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist who does general and advanced endoscopic procedures.
 
"I enjoy the teaching aspect of medicine both to those still in training and particularly to my patients as I feel if they have a better understanding of their issues and the rationale for treatments it helps my patients take a more active part in their health and happiness," said Dr. Curtiss.
 
He enjoys physical fitness and exercise and likes to play ice hockey.  He and his wife look forward to moving to the area and to enjoy its many offerings.

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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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