Bernard Resigns From Berkshire United Way

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Thomas Bernard has stepped down from leading Berkshire United Way and says he is excited to explore the next chapter of his professional journey. 

On Tuesday, Board Chair Krystle Blake confirmed that he resigned as president and CEO to pursue other opportunities. Bernard was hired in January 2022 after serving as mayor of his hometown, North Adams. 

"It has been a privilege to work with Berkshire United Way's board, community partners, and especially with BUW's dedicated and talented team for the past 3 1/2 years," Bernard wrote to iBerkshires in an email. 

"Going forward, I remain focused on contributing to the work and the mission that I had the opportunity to advance through Berkshire United Way, locally, in partnership with my incredible colleagues in the United Ways of Massachusetts, and as part of the United Way Worldwide network." 

At the same time, he said he is excited to "explore and launch the next chapter of my professional journey as a consultant and thought partner." 

Bernard was development officer at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art before his 10 years at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts as director of corporate, foundation and government relations, then executive assistant to the president, and eventually director of business affairs. He was the director of special projects at Smith College before becoming mayor in 2018. He spent four years in the corner office before deciding not to run for a third term. He was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees at MCLA. 

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.