Lanesborough-Williamstown Officials Hopeful of School Leader

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
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The candidate chosen by Mount Greylock Regional and SU71 to be the new superintendent was interviewed for the West Springfield post on Tuesday.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown-Lanesborough school officials are optimistic about having a contract for their next superintendent in place by next week, even though their chosen candidate was interviewing in another district on Tuesday.
 
As scheduled, Medway High School Principal Douglas Dias reported to the West Springfield School District on Tuesday morning to take tours of the district's schools, and Dias is scheduled to be interviewed by the West Springfield School Committee on Tuesday evening, according to West Springfield Mayor Edward Sulivan, who serves as chairman of the school committee.
 
Last week, Dias was offered the superintendent post in the Williamstown-Lanesborough Tri-District after a vote of the committees from the Mount Greylock Regional School District and Superintendency Union 71, a partnership of Lanesborough and Williamstown Elementary Schools.
 
On Tuesday afternoon, Mount Greylock School Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Greene replied to an email seeking comment on the status of the Tri-District's negotiations.
 
"[We] are moving forward and expect to have a contract to vote next week," Greene wrote. "Both Union 71 and MG have met in executive session to discuss contract parameters and are in agreement as to the terms. Negotiations with Dr. Dias take place this week."
 
Greene noted that, "Dr. Dias is fulfilling his commitment to interview with West Springfield today."
 
SU71 has a meeting scheduled on Monday, April 6, at 9 a.m. at Lanesborough School with a vote on the superintendent contract on the agenda. Greene said the Mount Greylock School Committee will be able to vote at its previously scheduled Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 8, at 9 a.m.
 
Masslive reported that the first of three candidate interviews in West Springfield took place on Monday night and lasted "less than 20 minutes." Dias' was interviewed Tuesday night.
 
A third candidate is scheduled for an interview on Thursday evening, when an immediate vote is planned.

Tags: MGRHS,   SU71,   superintendent,   

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Williams College Receives Anonymous $25M Gift to Support Projects

Staff Reports
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williams College has received a $25 million gift commitment in support of three major initiatives currently underway on campus: constructing a new museum building, developing a comprehensive plan for athletics and wellbeing facilities, and endowing the All-Grant financial aid program. 
 
The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, say the gift reflects their desire to not only support Williams but also President Maud S. Mandel's strategic vision and plan for the college. 
 
"This remarkably generous commitment sustains our momentum for WCMA, will be a catalyst for financial aid, and is foundational for athletics and wellness. It will allow us to build upon areas of excellence that have long defined the college," Mandel said. "I could not be more appreciative of this extraordinary investment in Williams."
 
Of the donors' total gift, $10 million will help fund the first freestanding, purpose-built home for the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA), a primary teaching resource for the college across all disciplines and home to more than 15,000 works. 
 
Each year, roughly 30 academic departments teach with WCMA's collection in as many as 130 different courses. 
 
The new building, designed by the internationally recognized firm SO-IL and slated to open in 2027, will provide dedicated areas for teaching and learning, greater access to the collection and space for everything from formal programs to impromptu gatherings. The college plans to fund at least $100 million of the total project cost with gifts.
 
Another $10 million will support planning for and early investments in a comprehensive approach to renewing the college's athletics and wellbeing facilities. 
 
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