At their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday afternoon, the Board of Trustees of Berkshire Community College unanimously approved the recommendation of its human resources sub-committee to appoint Paul Raverta as the college's new interim president.
Raverta, who holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Boston College, comes to BCC with more than 30 years of experience at Holyoke Community College (HCC). During his tenure at HCC, Raverta served as a senior-level administrator and faculty member in seven professional areas. These included service as Interim President, Acting Executive Vice President, Vice President for Student Development, Dean of Student Development, Registrar, Assistant Director of Continuing Education, and Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Physiology.
His most recent position at HCC was Vice President for Business and Community Affairs, and Executive Director of the Kittredge Business Center. His achievements in this position include the establishment of a regional business advisory group in collaboration with Springfield Technical Community College (STCC); and the submission of a joint federal workforce development grant for HCC, STCC, and Greenfield Community College.
Other achievements include a pilot Adult Basic Education to GED program in downtown Holyoke for city residents, and a "Transition to College" program at a local correctional facility. Raverta also increased business relationships with HCC through Chamber of Commerce representation and sponsorships, and increased access to international markets for businesses through HCC's World Institute for Strategic Economic Research (WISER) and the Western Massachusetts Office of the Mass Export Center.
In addition to his professional qualifications, Raverta has a network of "established relationships" within the community college system and is "highly regarded by his colleagues throughout the state." Pending final approval by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, the appointment will go into effect September 1 and will be for a period of up to two years.
Raverta's appointment will follow the two-month appointment of Dr. Andrew Scibelli, president emeritus of STCC, who could not continue as interim president beyond August 31 due to restrictions by the state's retirement board related to salary caps. "We were very disappointed in that decision," said Susan Lombard, chair of the BCC board. "Nevertheless," she added, "we need to continue to move on and we look forward to working with Dr. Raverta."
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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles.
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours.
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget.
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
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Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
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For the boys, Ward Bianchi helped lead the way with a win in the shot put and a second place in the javelin as the Mounties finished 16 points ahead of runner-up Pittsfield (pending the results of the pole vault, which were unavailable at 11 p.m. Friday night). click for more
