Pittsfield Street Improvement Project: Sept. 2-5

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Please be advised that the following street improvements are scheduled from September 2-5:
 
Crack sealing continues this week for the following locations:
  • Lincoln Street
  • Pomeroy Avenue
  • Williams Street
Highway Department Paving Projects:
  • Oakhurst Avenue
  • East Alford Street
  • Gillette Street
  • Grant Street
The schedule and locations are subject to change based upon weather. On-street parking, for the above streets, is prohibited during this work between the hours of 6 a.m.- 6 p.m.
 
West Street project update
  • Underground utility work continues. This work will include the installation of conduits forthe traffic signal equipment. In addition, curbing work will be occurring at the western end of the project closest to Backman Avenue. During this work, lane closures at various sections throughout the work area are expected. We encourage drivers to seek alternate routes if possible.
Additional utility underground work, in the right of way, will be occurring on the following streets:
  • Holmes Road (Dawes Avenue to river bridge)
  • East Street (from Lyman Street to Merrill Road)
  • North Street near Montgomery Avenue and Briggs Avenue
Use caution when traveling on these roads. Drivers should seek alternate routes to avoid traffic delays. This schedule is subject to change based upon weather conditions.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Wahconah Students Join Statewide 'SOS' Call for Rural School Funding

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

DALTON, Mass. — Students at Wahconah Regional High School are urging the state to fully fund Rural School Aid that supports essential services that shape their future.
 
Rural districts across the state participated in Rural and Declining Enrollment Schools Week of Action to insist Beacon Hill fully fund rural aid at $60 million. 
 
Schools across Massachusetts sent their pleas for aid to lawmakers through letter-writing campaigns, sign-making, and coordinated gatherings where students and educators formed the letters "SOS."

Wahconah students did something different — they created an educational video detailing the need for increased funding for rural schools with the school's music teacher Brian Rabuse, who edited the video, Assistant Superintendent Aaron Robb said. 

The advocacy efforts move the issue from spreadsheets to show the human cost of a funding formula previously described as "remarkably wrong." 
 
During an interview with iBerkshires, students expressed how districts without rural aid would have to make reductions in world language programing, mental health support, extracurricular opportunities, and other areas they find essential. 
 
"Our students deserve the same quality of education as any child in Massachusetts, regardless of their ZIP code," Superintendent Mike Henault said in a press release.
 
"The week of action is an opportunity for our communities to come together and make it clear to Beacon Hill that the status quo is no longer acceptable." 
 
Rural schools attempt to create the same quality education as urban and suburban areas while balancing high fixed costs of transportation and operations of geographically large, low-population districts.
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