MCLA to Host Networking Session for Regional K-12 Educational Leaders

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Division of Graduate & Continuing Education will host a networking and mentoring session for new K-12 leaders on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 4-6 p.m. at the Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield. 
 
The event comes at a time of significant leadership transitions across local school districts and is designed to strengthen regional educational partnerships while providing support for newly appointed administrators. 
 
"With significant leadership transitions occurring across local school districts, this gathering provides an opportunity to build relationships, offer support, and strengthen the professional network that connects MCLA with educational leaders throughout the Berkshires and beyond," said Marianne Young, Director of MCLA's Leadership Academy. "These partnerships play a vital role in supporting current and future educators as they pursue advanced degrees and leadership development opportunities." 
 
The session will include appetizers and beverages as participants come together to celebrate educational leadership in the community. The event reflects MCLA's broader commitment to supporting the regional educational ecosystem beyond its own boundaries. 
 
Educational leaders interested in attending can contact dgce@mcla.edu for more details. 

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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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