North Adams' Brayton School Running Out of Room

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:44PM / Tuesday, February 07, 2012Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — School officials are trying to find ways to relieve pressure on classrooms at Brayton Elementary School that has staff and pupils packed "like sardines."

The school has four preschool teachers and eight sessions (morning and afternoon) that feed into four full-time kindergarten classes, which feed into three full-time first and second grades, and two third grades. The three grade levels are now averaging 25 pupils in each class compared to 16-18 at the other schools.

"We've juggled teachers around depending on the class size before," said Superintendent James Montepare at Monday's School Committee meeting. "It's harder to do it this year for a variety reasons ... space is one of the major issues, finances are the other issues."

The best solution would be to add on three teachers and three classrooms, but there's no space for classrooms and no money for three new teachers, this year or next.

To get by, teaching assistants and other support personnel have been helping, but that's adding bodies into already crowded spaces, "like packing sardines into a can," said Montepare.

The superintendent said he had no immediate solution but something would have to be done by next fall. In the meantime, officials will looking at the local census numbers to determine whether the increase in children is a growing population or a limited "bump."

Incoming pupils with no experience in the system are being shifted to the other schools whenever possible to help ease the situation. Children are also being grouped at times in other areas, such as the library, for tutoring and programs.

Among the possibilities for reducing class size are redistricting by sending children to Sullivan and Greylock elementary schools, adding a teacher and combining grades or having parents volunteer to switch schools. Montepare was leery of redistricting now because of the expected school project, which could mean major changes in the future, and transportation issues. Redistricting could also be disruptive for the children, he said.

School Committee member Mary Lou Acetta recalled how she had been redistricted from the former Freeman School to Johnson School for a year because of population changes. "It was devastating," she said

Vice Chairwoman Heather Boulger volunteered to chair a task force to explore options. Montepare said any suggestions were welcome.

"I don't have a solution to the problem but we are looking at everything," said Montepare.

In other business, the committee approved the use of the Drury High School gym by East Coast Marketing Group for an Aerosmith tribute concert to benefit the Police Association on Saturday, April 7, and by Michael Meczywor for the North Adams Boys' Basketball League tournament on Feb. 18 and 19.

NA_School_Committee_02072012
Tags: Brayton School, overcrowding,

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Your Comments

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Brayton is a wonderful school with many dedicated and effective teachers as well as a great principal. My grandchildren enjoy school and their teachers. You can just hear the respect they have for their teachers and principal and can see the knowledge they have gained from them. I wish you well in finding an answer to this great concern.
from: Laurie	on: 02-08-2012 06:45AM I Agree (12) - I Disagree (1)

But I thought the budget crisis was all scare tactics. Did I get lied to by the "NO" folks last year?
from: Spooky	on: 02-08-2012 06:55AM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (3)

Class sizes in the 60's were regularly 25-30 kids due to the baby boom. Is this really a crisis?
from: really?	on: 02-08-2012 08:28AM I Agree (20) - I Disagree (7)

Dear Grandma and Grandpa, Thank you for making sure we don't have enough teachers and for fighting the construction of a new school. We understand your declining years are far more important than our formative ones. Love, Your Grandchildren
from: Your Grandchildren	on: 02-08-2012 08:42AM I Agree (13) - I Disagree (13)

There is not an overcrowding problem in the schools. It is part of the game to sell a new school to the people. Move some of the kids to the other schools and things will be fine. Where else but in North Adams the enrollment figures are going down and they are running out of space. They just passed out big raises for administrators and you will see nothing in the press. Only in North Adams where the press sleeps so well.
from: plan	on: 02-08-2012 09:05AM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (12)
Editor: Enrollment is not going down, that's the problem, it's level with a possible "bump" for a couple years. The administrators did get raises, I don't have all the numbers but I did mention to the mayor I wanted them. Thanks for reminding. Also keep in mind that the administration was reduced last year so those that are left are picking up more duties.
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (8)

The Governor has given the city the tools to save millions. Municipal Health Care Reform. So Mr.Montopar talk to the mayor money isn't the problem.
from: money ?	on: 02-08-2012 09:45AM I Agree (14) - I Disagree (2)

What a surprise this comes out right after the state shoots down 2 new schools. Of course re-districting is the answer. Since Montepare did not come out and say Sullivan and Greylock are packed....let's assume they are not. I was redistricted....it's called making new friends.
from: Fact	on: 02-08-2012 09:50AM I Agree (25) - I Disagree (4)
Editor: This has been a problem since the beginning of the year.
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (2)

This is only a example of simple math 101, buy I think you will get the point and can tweet the numbers later. Last year the Mayor said her could afford to build a new school but only 320 pupils and staff at no cost to the taxpayer within the budget. Ok that Half of a new school, now lets just say the cost of a new 640 student school is 50 million, and the state paying 80% thats 10 million to the taxpayer - Half the city can already afford thats only $5million to go onto the tax roll over 30 years cheap, and you sell Sullivan, and put that money down on the payoff, Conte, well the superintendent has had 5 that FIVE years to do the deed or give it back to the Drury family and the Mayor 3 Three years so get off your butt and do the job or give it up, move thr Supt, out into city hall and save all that money its costing us now and maybe you could add onto a new 640 school and make it a 740 plus staff and still only cost the taxpayer about 5-10 % of the total cost of a new school oner 30 years.
from: Just Me	on: 02-08-2012 10:05AM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (3)
Editor: But parents have very forcefully said they do not want to give up neighborhood schools and there has been no support at meetings for a "super" school. It's an option, but do you think it would find backing?
I Agree (12) - I Disagree (0)

How Ironic, timing is everything as the 2 school proposal was shot down. Why such a negative spin on redistricting? Growing up in Adams, neighborhood school became a thing of the past as the town was forced to become more fiscally responsible by operating fewer schools which is more cost effective. North Adams needs to take a page out of that book. Attending school in one's neighborhood is a thing of the past, and is no longer affordable for the tax payer. My thought is to have fewer schools, but larger in size to accomodate the student population. Operating 3 schools, ( 1 school k-5, 1 middle school 6-8th, and a high school 9-12) this proposal makes the most sense in the long run as our population continues decrease in size.
from: Reality Strikes	on: 02-08-2012 11:39AM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (2)

Dump Conte, renovate and build new school addition on to Greylock. Plenty of land at that site available. Utilize Brayton for special needs students, while placing superintendants office at the Brayton location. Win, win situation for all, while saving the city taxpayers money.
from: taxed to the max	on: 02-08-2012 11:52AM I Agree (15) - I Disagree (7)

Overcrowding in schools is certainly an issue that the entire community should be concerned with. An issue that can lead to compromising the quality of education. The need for additional classroom space can force administrators to be creative in creating learning areas. Storage areas, gymnasiums or space designated for art or music may have to be compromised to facilitate basic education needs. Is there a solution that would prevent these options from being considered? Is there space for one more grade level at the high school?
from: NEVER ENOUGH	on: 02-08-2012 12:03PM I Agree (9) - I Disagree (2)
Editor: That option was discussed, it would require an addition to house the seventh grade. Hoosac Valley is being rebuilt because it no longer had the space or configuration for middle school students.
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

The city has the money to do anything it wants to . Just do what the Governor told every city they couold do to save millions.
from: money	on: 02-08-2012 12:55PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (6)
Editor: Keep saying it and maybe it will come true.
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (3)

Hey really, we are trying to educate our children better than we did in the 60's in order for them to compete in the modern world. They don't just need to know how to do basic math and read. Our north county moto should be "good enough."
from: lila	on: 02-08-2012 12:55PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (2)

Editor It would come true if the mayor and city council woiuld do what is right for everyone in the city not just special interests.
from: money	on: 02-08-2012 01:16PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (5)

Those who were educated in North Adams in the 60s and have stayed have certainly done a great job at making us a first class city! You all should be VERY proud!
from: NoCrisisHere	on: 02-08-2012 01:30PM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (8)

Funny Lila, Test all the kids today with the 1960's curriculum and you'll see they are getting about 60-70% of what they had then - told to me by more than one local high school Math and English teacher. They will say it to you privately but of course can't say that publically. Of course now we have a lot more fuzzy-wuzzy self esteem time, so we can feel good while our education levels are not even close to our most advanced rivals. Look at the Basis charter school system if you're really serious about getting competitive. I hope you're ready for that Lila. Few people like the Basis system because they aren't willing to work that hard. https://www.basisschools.org/index.php The answers have always been there but they involve more effort from students, parents and teachers. The same principles can be applied to public schools so it's not the fact it is charter or private at all. Good luck to NA schools - you can do it!
from: Really	on: 02-08-2012 01:32PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (12)

@really - You don't know what you are talking about regarding modern vs. old curriculum requirement. You are just plain wrong. And the teachers who supposedly told you this are either lying or delusional. The "self esteem" subjects you claim are taught are pure right wing fantasy. Discipline and social interaction is handled differently, but that does not take up extra time. A huge part of North Adams' school problems is that we have many "old school" teachers who are reluctant to do anything that they didn't do 25 years ago. Guess what. It didn't work then and it doesn't work now. Add to that the poverty level has spiked in North Adams and we have a massive influx of high-risk kids who require literally twice as many resources to get even a close result to average, and you have a recipe for a failing district. North Adams Public Schools have some incredible people working for them. They have some awful people working for them. The have a small slice of the students who do well and move on to decent colleges. They have far more that don't. If you tracked kids entering kindergarten through graduation in the NAPS, you would see that around HALF of them never graduate. Only tracking kids from 9th grade does not give an accurate enough picture since other elementary schools feed into Drury. This community should be ashamed of the way it has handled schools for the the last 40 years. We think of them and treat them as a "budget item" rather than the incubator for future of our city, state and country. To all of you who think otherwise, you can kiss my ****. You ruined this town.
from: Really Really?	on: 02-08-2012 01:59PM I Agree (13) - I Disagree (7)

@really..really Slow down there buddy. People in the 60's and 70's were taught just enough to get a job in a factory. That would be why poverty has exploded. When the factory jobs left, the population was unable to assimilate. It shows when current local jobs, which require engineering skills, are left unfilled. As far as kids today not being up to your 60's and 70's standards, I'd have to assume that must be your children. The level to which I studied math , English and science was beyond anything any student of the those past eras could keep up with. This would be because I had some kick-a** teachers with enough room in my school/ schedule to offer advanced classes. The basics are enough to get you a job at Walmart... let's shoot a little higher... maybe then places like General Dynamics can actually hire locals...
from: #urnotgoodenough	on: 02-08-2012 02:21PM I Agree (15) - I Disagree (3)

You can say classrooms were more crowded when you went to school decades ago but the demands aren't the same. Teachers weren't required to have degrees. Now they must have master degrees to teach five year olds how to draw squares and be recertified over and over. Students only needed to pass classes to graduate. Now they have to pass state exams. Schools are required to have special needs spaces, one on one teacher, social service, doctors, etc. Communities are required to teach all students at all levels, no matter how good or bad they are. Not long ago troublemakers were kicked out of school and didn't cost a dime. Today they cost the city 3-5 times more to keep in school than the average good student. Back than students wheelchairs were limited to where they could go and what they could participate in. Today schools have a long list of ADA laws to follow. These are requirements from federal and state. Many are for good reasons but the cost of these mandates is high. You can't compare how schools were twenty, fifty years ago. They didn't have 75% of the mandates handed down from state and federal officials that are required today and they aren't easing up. Those mandates also include how many students should be in a class. If you want state and federal funding you have to follow their rules.
from: apples to oranges	on: 02-08-2012 02:35PM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (1)

I really hope redistricting is voted out. My child attends Brayton and would be devastated to have move to a different school. She loves it there. Great school all together.
from: Brayton Parent	on: 02-08-2012 03:21PM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (1)

So let me see if I understand this. One school is slightly overcrowded and instead of the logical move of redistricting to balance the load, the override and DA supporters want to scare people into an override vote (of course we can't put it in our current budget what a foolish question). Is that it? My god how dumb do they think we are. Bring it on. You will lose just like last summer Redistrict and stay out of my pocket
from: Fact	on: 02-08-2012 05:16PM I Agree (9) - I Disagree (5)
Editor: This has nothing to do with an override, this is about busing small children to schools that are not in their neighborhoods. That very well may happen.
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)

In an effort to address the issues that some in this forum have brought forward and live by the doctrine, "don't confuse me with the facts" ... To "money" - the health care reform will not save North Adams "millions" - maybe the state, but not just North Adams. To "Reality Strikes" - North Adams eliminated nearly all of its neighborhood schools in the 60's or 70's. To "taxed to the max" - that solution of yours does not come CLOSE to solving the problem. To "Fact" - the overcrowding at Brayton is not an override issue. One new school can be built without an override or more accurately, debt exclusion. And one school is all we are getting.
from: Corrections	on: 02-08-2012 07:30PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (3)

Editor: No backing today for neighborhood school. one must be happy in N.A. could build a new super-school in todays world something new is better then nothing, unless all of the people are willing to pay for it theirself and I don't mean the taxpayer.I think the taxpayer would go for a small bond over a long time.
from: Just Me	on: 02-08-2012 08:16PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (2)

Editor, I don't think busing is a problem. Right now if you live on North Eagle you go to Brayton. Quite a drive. Sullivan is equi-distant. They wouldn't take kids from mass ave and bring to sullivan. That makes no sense. They would expand Sullivan and Greylocks areas. Of course ecacuating and burning down Brickyard terrace would solve the issue too
from: Reality	on: 02-08-2012 09:48PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (2)

You mean all the caterwauling from Sullivan parents and certain politicians about neighborhood schools was only true for a fraction of North Adams?!?! I am shocked.
from: Busing	on: 02-08-2012 10:16PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)

The overcrowding is not just the number of children in a classroom. If you walk into ANY of the elementary schools you will see art teachers on carts, music being taught in the cafeteria, specialist using what use to be closets as office/classrooms. Until you spend time in any of the schools to see how they juggle space you will never understand what "overcrowding" really means.
from: north county neighbor	on: 02-09-2012 09:01AM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: The use of space in schools has changed dramatically over the past 25-30 years. It's no longer about seats in classrooms; it's about programs. I've heard more than one teacher complain about teaching in closets (literally, in closets) here and elsewhere. Brayton was built for 600 pupils and has 525 enrolled, but it also houses a number of educational programs, such as LINCS, and it's the only fully handicapped-accessible school.
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (0)

I wonder what's going to happen when a kid in a wheelchair enrolls in Sullivan or Greylock and his/her parents refuse to send the child to Brayton. The potential resulting lawsuit will make the DOJ ADA audit look like a slap on the wrist. The poor facilities in our community are reflective of our poorly performing schools. Bad facilities make it hard to recruit new teachers and keep the good ones. It also sends a subtle message to the kids that "just getting by" is good enough and that the adults around them don't care about their success. The really sad thing is that I've come to the conclusion that the message we send the kids from the community as a whole is a correct interpretation. Collectively we really don't give a damn.
from: Just Waiting	on: 02-09-2012 11:14AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (3)

Just waiting Are you kidding. The state level on school spending has never been higher. If the city wants to give all the money to the teachers then do not blame the taxpayers. We are the smallest and the ninth poorest in the state . The mayor is spending peoples assets . What more do you think people have ???
from:	on: 02-09-2012 01:20PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (4)

Dear Grandma and Grandpa, Can you please put up your life savings and sell your home you have lived in for 60 years so that Suzie and I can play video games in school and have a 4:1 student to teacher ratio. Plus we really need to pay our teacher about 100k a year, including full retirement at ago 45. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa, and while you are at it can I have your food money to pay for the after school activities I have to go to go. Mommy doesnt want me at home so she can have sleepovers with her friend.
from: Reality	on: 02-09-2012 01:50PM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (14)

Hey Reality, you need to get in touch with yourself!! Ridiculous.
from: Lila	on: 02-09-2012 03:32PM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (7)

Reality - Thanks for making my point. The fact is that we budget for schools at the foundation level, that is, the absolute lowest amount the law allows. What else do we spend the absolute minimum on? Not much. This discussion has been had many times. You represent the majority of the community well. Obviously they and you don't think schools are very important. You win.
from: Thanks	on: 02-09-2012 04:00PM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (5)

It's called satire. I guess you were passing notes in class when that was taught. The point is that I agree with people above. Just redistrict. It has been done many times in the past. People today are so used to being coddled that it is a disease. Man up.
from: Reality	on: 02-09-2012 04:52PM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (6)

There isn't room in greylock or Sullivan to take more students. Don't forget that both those schools took on seventh grades when conte closed including braton.
from: dews	on: 02-09-2012 10:24PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (2)

Wrong. There is room, other Montepare would have been saying there is no room and redistricting would not solve the problem.
from: Reality	on: 02-10-2012 07:51AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (6)

According to Zillow the teacher to student ratio at the school is 9.4 to 1 . So teachers are not needed.
from: teachers	on: 02-10-2012 09:09AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (4)

Hey reality grandma and grandpa got us into this mess so…yes, I don’t think they deserve a long relaxing retirement. Because of the way they ran this country into the ground, I am forced to pay for them and for me. I won’t have a retirement; I have to work till I die because of their selfish, short-sighted ways. No one ever said it was your right to have a home. If you are retired, why do you need all that space anyway? As far as those “video games,” those are computers; you know the things that print out your social security checks that I’ll never see. They also prepare us to try and compete with India and China because you sold our country to them for some cheap tooth brushes and color tv’s. Your greedy and selfish and continue to run this country as your playground. All I have to show for it is thousands of dollars in student loans and no hope of raising enough money to buy a home of my own. We need to stop the cycle. It brings us down each turn. We must plan for the future so my grandchildren have a chance. Economy isn’t about what is right in front of you, it is about planning ahead. I’ll be sure to get a teaching certificate while I’m at it, 100K sounds like a great pipe dream… Thanks bunches I’ll go eat some roman noodles for dinner before I head out to my third job of the day.
from: itsaboutthefuture	on: 02-10-2012 09:15AM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (3)

**ramen noodles
from: itsaboutthefuture	on: 02-10-2012 10:18AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Itaboutthefuture, 3rd job of the day eh? Sounds like you were one of the jerks who goofed off all in high school.......sucks to be you eh?
from: Reality	on: 02-10-2012 12:28PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (14)

no that was an exaggeration based on many people I know that are my age. I'd be the #urnotgoodenough from above. I have a job that pays more than many households make (especially households in northern Berkshire County). I'm a high honor student, college graduate and fortunately didn't go to North Adams' schools. If that was the only thing you got out of the post, I'm glad to see you agree with my assessment of your generation. nice try realwayne
from: itsaboutthefuture	on: 02-10-2012 12:49PM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (3)

9 to 11 students per teacher ??? Local School Directory.com. Over crowded , yes with teachers With so many teachers the school rates an F for score. Something needs to change.
from: over crowded	on: 02-10-2012 01:07PM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (3)
Editor: They're talking about a few grades, not the whole school.
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (1)

Good lord, folks need to get some perspective. When I was a kid lots of students were bused more than an HOUR to my school which was located in a crime-ridden area of the city and was a noted under-performer academically. Despite those deficiencies, I managed a full scholarship to undergrad and am on the brink of completing a masters degree. My parents were both supportive of and engaged in my education. North Adams is incredibly safe, incredibly convenient and statistically has better teacher qualifications and expenditure per student than Williamstown and many other cities in MA. What we lack is a culture of prioritizing education because of a long history where one could drop out and go to work at the mills. Combined with parents who earn less than the half the median household income (and must therefore dedicate their time to working another shift rather than helping their child with homework), this culture leads to low performance scores.
from: perspective	on: 02-10-2012 05:56PM I Agree (14) - I Disagree (1)

itsaboutthefuture Stop whining and man up.
from: RealWayne	on: 02-10-2012 05:59PM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (10)

The statistics cited on the web sites mentioned are inaccurate. They do not reflect current numbers of students nor do they reflect the reduced number of teachers. They are out of date by at least a couple years.
from: Statistics	on: 02-10-2012 06:52PM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (7)

statistics The statistics on Zillow and another site are not up to yesterday I agree. But. Do you expect anyone to believe that in one year the teacher ratio went from 9 or 11 th 1 to 30 to 1 ??? So it looks like the numbers on the web sites are more accurate then what we are being told. If you have up to yesterday numbers then post them.
from: over crowded	on: 02-11-2012 07:36AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (6)

re: statistics - here are stats ranging from 2009-2012. http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/state_report/ppx.aspx for 2010-2011: % of Core Academic Classes Taught by Teachers Who are Highly Qualified North Adams 98.6 Williamstown 86.7 Student/Teacher Ratio North Adams 11.1 to 1 Williamstown 12.9 to 1 Per Pupil Expenditure North Adams: $14,349 Williamstown: $13,728 Low income enrollment: North Adams: 41.4% Williamstown: 13.7% 09/10 SAT scores: North Adams: Reading-469 Writing-470 Math-467 Williamstown: Reading-571 Writing-558 Math-560 We spend more on each student, have better qualified teachers, have a better teacher/student ratio - so you would think we'd do better on test scores. But we don't. Take a look at the disparity in low-income student percentage and think about those kids who come home to an empty house with both parents away at work, struggling to make ends meet. Probably a much lower likelihood that they are diligently doing homework, let alone being run around to extra-curricular activities or getting pressure to attend their parents' alma mater.
from: perspective	on: 02-11-2012 10:45AM I Agree (16) - I Disagree (2)

For all those parents that want johnny to go to school in his back yare, ante up. Give a donation to the city. Donate your time as a teachers aid. Agree to Pay a larger share in taxes. But, don't expect the residents of the 9th poorest community to keep picking up the tab when the city does little to try and cut costs in other areas of city govenrment. Maybe DA should cut out the Commisioner of Pubic Safety, and renegotiate the employee's health care which is his right under the law, and then pump money into the school projects. Or put into affect the 30 recommendations the state advised DA to implement. That would be a start.
from: Frugal	on: 02-11-2012 04:38PM I Agree (7) - I Disagree (3)
Editor: For the hundredth time, the "30 recommendations" had to do with the internal management of financial accounts - it's about reporting, not about cost savings. Did you actually read the report?
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (5)

11 to 1 teacher ratio. It seems we have plenty of teachers. When one kid goes to collage every teacher takes credit. When 100 fail it is the parents fault ??? Stop the blame game and do something for the kids. Stop just throwing money away we do not have and helping the wrong people.
from:	on: 02-11-2012 06:39PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (8)

How about we make room. Lets pay teachers for student performance. That would thin out the bad teachers and Really Help the kids. Incrrease the pay of teachers that Really help kids. What we are doing now is not working . You can build a sixty million dollar school and nothing will change. Look at the records . Paying the teachers more and more every year is not the answer. The schools are failing the students.
from: room	on: 02-12-2012 09:35AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (6)

Parents need to model the true value of education. To teach is a verb and to learn is a verb. Teachers cannot learn for the children but they are in those classrooms everyday working to teach and to prove that there is tremendous value in obtaining an education. Kids go home and very few parents support and reinforce this. Blaming anyone will not change it. Merit pay will not change it. Community has the potential to change it but that requires a change in attitude and developing more positives than negatives. Learning never stops but sometimes the lessons are harder than they ever needed to be... The educational system in North Adams needs your supportive attitude if you truly would like to affect change.
from: One Voice	on: 02-12-2012 12:38PM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (1)

Ms Daniels, I read the report, Did you? Look at Recommendation #11 pg 20 Annually, evaluate employee health care alternative and options on an annual basis. Stop sticking up for DA! Attempting to fool the public.
from: Frugal	on: 02-12-2012 06:53PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (4)
Editor: For those who haven't been paying attention: "The two-year contract with MIIA will be renegotiated with the unions in 2012." There is a contract; it has to be renegotiated. Isn't that what you want?
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (3)

It is an indisputable fact that most residents of North Adams could care less about their schools. Secondly, when comparing Williamstown budgets, you leave out that North Adams SPED costs per pupil are more than double. You leave out their "endowment" that pays for ask sorts of extras. Then there are all the stay at home moms who have nothing better to do than volunteer. They have volunteers teaching Chinese. North Adams couldn't replace their only AP Spanish teacher. Also, "qualified in subject" is not the same as a good teacher.. Don't leave out that 80% of the school budget comes from the state in North Adams while it is almost the opposite in Williamstown. For those who bitch paying too much because North Adams is poor, you already are not paying your share, so please *#@$ £¥¢.
from: Indisputable	on: 02-12-2012 09:28PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (3)

realwayne As I've said, I am a model citizen. I pay my taxes, I plan for the future. I watch all you complainers squirm. I "man up" daily. You are the whiner. How-bout you "man up" and pay for the privilege of having a home, or sell it. You seem to be the one in dire need of re-budgeting your household. I'm on my community's side. Your all about you and yours.
from: itsaboutthefuture	on: 02-13-2012 09:18AM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (3)

itsaboutthefuture Your last comment started with , I six times ???? So I guess it is all about you. People that have an inferior complex say things like ( I am a model citizen ) to try and convince people they are what thay are NOT. You really should talk to someone about this . It will take time but you will live. Good luck.
from: Real Wayne	on: 02-13-2012 12:43PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (7)
Editor: Enough. Anymore comments between you and itsaboutthefuture will be deleted.
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (2)

indisputable It is a fact, North Adams is the ninth POOREST and the SMALLEST city in the state. Lets not worry about speaking Spanish or any language until the kids can pass english. Fact paying teachers more every year is not helping the kids . Look at the records. The teachers say it is the parents fault. OK . Lets pay the parents if it will help the kids. If we really want to help the kids then we shoiud be willing to try anything. After all is it about the kids or greed.
from: potty	on: 02-13-2012 03:07PM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (2)

Just because we are a poor city does not mean we have to be stupid. Being poor should motivate us to help our kids work harder in school so that they can have as many options for their future as is possible. Seems to me that MY grandparents, who worked in the mills and Sprague Electric, wanted that for their children. Heaven forbid a teacher called home to say that little Jimmy was not doing his very best in class. Now teachers call home and are verbally harassed by the parents who use this loud and poor language in front of their kids. Again, looking for blame? Where is the respect? Police in the schools more than some parents? Lockdowns, and evacuations? Come on! Step up or stop typing! Vitriol offers no solutions just internet drama.
from:	on: 02-13-2012 07:39PM I Agree (13) - I Disagree (0)

@potty - The fault is that of the system that thinks the same resources are needed to provide "equal opportunity" for kid born into dysfunction and poverty that are provided to a wealthy suburban child born into privilege. It takes a helluva lot more time and effort to get an average kid out of the slums of Springfield or North Adams than it does to send an average kid from Weston or Williamstown to college and a bright future. Unfortunately, "the system" thinks that equal dollars = equal opportunity. And since we are paying $.20 on the dollar in North Adams for our kids' current crapola education, we don't have much credibility when we whine about paying too much.
from: Fault	on: 02-13-2012 08:03PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (2)

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is crazy. For years we were told that if the teachers are paid more the kids will be better educated . The test results show that is not true. So the teachers blame it on the parents . Well why not try and pay the parents for kids performance ??? If the teachers are correct then it would show . Isn't it worth at least a try ??? Why would anyone not want to try something instead of keep doing what does not work. It is about what is best for the teachers or the KIDS.
from: crazy	on: 02-14-2012 10:50AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (1)

Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:37PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.

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