Pepper Spray Deployed in Drury High Library; Student May Face Charges

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Drury High School's upper level was temporarily evacuated on Tuesday afternoon after a student used pepper spray in the library. 
 
According to a news post on the school's website, the incident occurred during the lunch period. 
 
"The student who sprayed the substance was identified and removed from the building. The police are currently investigating the incident and the school will pursue criminal charges," according to the post. 
 
Any of the students and staff affected by the spray were given medical attention. 
 
It is not against the law to possess pepper spray for self-defense, although minors between ages 15 and 18 must have a firearms identification card and guardian permission. It is illegal to use in criminal actions.
 
Pepper spray contains capsaicin that causes eye irritation and a burning sensation, and may cause temporary blindness. 
 
A cleaning crew as brought in to air out and upper level and cleaning the carpet. The library was closed for the remainder of the day but the rest of the building was unaffected. 
 
School adjustment counselors were on site should any student have needed additional support, according to the post. 
 

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North Adams Schools Talk Final Budget Numbers for Public Hearing

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

The elementary schools will be phasing in a new math curriculum over the next two years. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The School Committee received the presentation given last week to the Finance & Facilities committee for the fiscal 2025 spending plan.
 
The subcommittee is recommending the budget of $20,357,096, up $302,744 or 1.51 percent over this year. This was expected to be funded by $16,418,826 in state Chapter 70 education funds, local funding of $3,938,270 (up $100,000 over this year) and a drawdown of school funds of $575,237. This will also include the closure of Greylock School at the end of this year and the reduction of 26 full-time positions. 
 
A hybrid public hearing on the budget will be held on Thursday, May 23, at 5:30 at Brayton School, with a vote by the School Committee to immediately follow. 
 
The extra $100,000 from the city will likely not be part of this funding package, warned Mayor Jennifer Macksey, chair of the School Committee. 
 
"Going through all my process on the city side, so to say, with the rest of my departments, it's going to be really hard for me to squeak out the additional $100,000," said the mayor, alluding to a budget gap of $600,000 to $800,000 for fiscal 2025 she's trying to close. 
 
"I just want to be fully transparent with everyone sitting here, and as your School Committee chair, I don't know if the city budget is going to be able to squeak out that $100,000. That number will most likely change."
 
Director of School Finance and Operations Nancy Rauscher said the $100,000 had been a placeholder with administration understanding that it could change.  
 
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