Lanesborough Board Updated on School Union Plan
LANESBOROUGH - Richard Cohen, chairman of the Lanesborough School Committee, attended the Selectmen's meeting on Wednesday to share information on the proposed school union with Williamstown.Selectman William Prendergast Jr. voiced concerns about the cultural differences and attitudes of the two towns. He said he feels that Lanesborough may have to adjust to Williamstown and no adjustment will be done by Williamstown.
Cohen responded that the philosophy of education is the same in both towns and that the communities of Lanesborough and Williamstown have more in common in relation to size of community and size of schools than Lanesborough has with its current union partners Richmond, New Ashford and Hancock.
Cohen focused on the benefits to Lanesborough students, which is the main reason for making a change in the union. Selectwoman Gae Elfenbein said she has worked successfully with the Williamstown community for many years on various committees and she is in favor of the union with Williamstown.
Selectman John Goerlach introduced discussion regarding working a new arrangement with Richmond to balance the voting arrangement with the current union. Cohen responded that Richmond has not indicated any interest in negotiating changes.
Stephanie Michalak, a Lanesborough resident, presented a petition with 137 signatures opposed to the new union. Cohen said there are many inaccuracies in the data presented in the petition.
Prendergast asked about having the Lanesborough teachers meet the Williamstown Superintendent Rose Ellis, who is expected to take the superintendent's post in proposed union. The current union superintendent of schools, William Ballen, is retiring. Cohen said such a meeting is scheduled to take place before the Lanesborough School Committee votes on the new union.
Information provided by Lanesborough Concerned Citizens Newsletter. To receive the weekly newsletter, e-mail ahartheimer@yahoo.com
