Letter: Macksey Supports Local Businesses

To the Editor:

I am pleased to offer my full endorsement for Jennifer Macksey as the mayor of North Adams. Throughout her tenure and service to our community, Jennifer has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the future of North Adams —one that reflects the values of our rich history, progress, opportunity, and inclusivity.

Jennifer's dedication to supporting youth programs is evident in her continued advocacy for initiatives that provide our younger generations with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. She understands that investing in our youth today is essential to ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for our local community.

She also stands as a steadfast supporter of local businesses, recognizing their vital role in the economic fabric of North Adams. From promoting policies that help small businesses grow, to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, Jennifer is ensuring that our local economy will flourish for years to come. Though my personal interactions through my business have been minimal, when I needed help the most, Jennifer showed up and worked hard for my business and staff.

Matt Tatro
North Adams, Mass.

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 fulling 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.