W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School Names Next Principal

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — After a search committee including staff, parents, and administrators conducted two rounds of interviews, Seth Lewis Levin has been named the next principal at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School. 
 
The dedicated PK-12 education leader brings more than two decades of experience building inclusive, high-quality school systems to the position, succeeding Principal Jake McCandless who will retire at the close of the academic year.
 
"Seth's references reflect a thoughtful instructional leader who listens well and is deeply committed to supporting students, families, and staff," said Berkshire Hills Regional School District Superintendent Peter Dillon. 
 
From leading the PK-8 Tobin Montessori School in Cambridge to expanding secondary schools in New York City, Lewis Levin's career has been defined by a commitment to equity and research-based frameworks, stated a press release. 
 
He currently serves as the Senior Director of Education at Temple Judea in Miami. 
 
Levin holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Long Island University; a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College; a Master of Arts in Teaching from New York University; and a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University. 
 
Throughout his career, Lewis Levin has consistently prioritized children first he said.
 
"As someone who is constantly mesmerized by the curiosity and goofiness of tweens, I am thrilled to join W.E.B. Du Bois regional Middle School—a place where I look forward to collaborating with a dedicated staff and partnering with every family and the community," said Lewis Levin who resides in Cannan, New York. 
 
Outside of school, he enjoys various Sunday traditions including hiking Monument Mountain, skiing Butternut, and devouring new fiction at Lakeville Books with his family. 
 
The District plans to schedule a public meet and greet with Lewis Levin prior to his official July 1 start date.
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Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.
EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.
 
William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 
 
Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.
 
"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.
 
"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."
 
Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.
 
For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series. 
 
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