Clarksburg School Committee OKs School Choice Slots

Staff ReportsPrint Story | Email Story
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The School Committee last week opened up several slots for school choice but held off on a decision about kindergarten. 
 
Based on the recommendation of Principal Sandra Cote, the committee approved two slots for first grade, one for fourth grade and eight slots for sixth grade. 
 
"Kindergarten is low, but we really feel more comfortable waiting to August for that, just because we don't know for sure," she said. "We're projecting 13 but we don't know for sure."
 
Cote explained that the high number of sixth grade is because the class is going to be split. The grade at 28  students will mean 14 in each class. The committee will meet later in the summer to approve applications. 
 
Also during the brief meeting, the committee approved the administration's request to negotiate a five-year rather than a three-year bus transportation contract. 
 
"A five-year because it locks everything in. ... We went out to bid, instead of doing a one-year extension in the other towns, we went out to five years so that we're all on the same cycle," said Business Administrator Lisa Blackmer.
 
There is not an agreement ready for approval yet, she said, adding that she and Superintendent John Franzoni were "going to try and do some tweaking on the summer programs" first. 
 
Cote updated the committee on some the activities including field day and a class picnic. 
 
"It looks like their really enjoying the end-of-year activities, and the teachers look very tired," she joked. 

Tags: Clarksburg School,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.

View Full Story

More Clarksburg Stories