MCLA Welcomes New Board Members, Thanks Departing Trustees

• Tom Bernard, President and CEO of Berkshire United Way and former Mayor of North Adams, replaces Frank Reynolds, who resigned in 2024 after serving since October 2021. Bernard's proven leadership in both the nonprofit sector and local government, along with his connections to MCLA, will be invaluable in helping the College continue to strengthen its ties with the surrounding community.  
• Former State Senator Ben Downing, who replaces John Barrett III (appointed in April 2016) and most recently served on the Enrollment Management Committee. Downing's extensive experience in state government, public policy, and community development will be instrumental in strengthening MCLA's engagement with the wider Berkshire community and state leadership.  
• Rachel Hailey, Owner & Transformationalist at The Resonance Collective, replaces Frederick Keator (appointed in January 2018) and served as Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Rachel is committed to transforming the outdoor industry to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on creating a more accessible and equitable space for underserved and underrepresented communities. Her expertise in DEI initiatives will be instrumental in advancing MCLA's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.  
• W. David Halbert, MPA, ‘03, fills the Alumni Appointment seat vacated by Denise Marshall '81, who served as Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee from January 2018. Halbert's experience in public administration and his strong alumni ties make him a perfect fit for ensuring MCLA's continued financial growth and long-term stability.  
• Yina Moore, an Adams-based business owner and developer, replaces Mohan Boodram, former Chair of the Board. Moore is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Adams Theater.  Moore's unique perspective will be a great asset to MCLA, as she brings a deep understanding of community revitalization and the role of the arts in economic growth.  
• In addition to the Governor's appointments, the student body of MCLA has elected Allie Bayer '26, a rising senior from Boring, Oregon, to replace William Garrity as the elected Student Trustee. Bayer, a double major in Political Science and Psychology, is deeply involved in student life and brings a strong voice for advocacy and leadership to the Board.  

• John Barrett III, a two-time alumnus of MCLA, former Mayor of North Adams, and current State Representative who has served on the Board since April 2016 and contributed to the Fiscal Affairs, Student Affairs, and Enrollment Management Committees.  
• Mohan Boodram, who has completed his second term as Chair of the Board of Trustees. As Chair, Boodram's leadership was invaluable in guiding MCLA through a period of significant growth and transformation.   
• William Garrity, who completed his term as Student Trustee during the 2024-2025 school year. 
• Frederick Keator, who served as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.
• Denise Marshall '81, who previously served as Chair of the Board and as Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee since January 2018 and played a pivotal role in guiding MCLA's financial strategy. 
• Frank Reynolds, who resigned in 2024 after serving since October 2021.  
   

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 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.