DALTON, Mass. — Nearly 75 percent of those voting in the Central Berkshire Regional School District on Saturday cast ballots to move the district forward in the process of renovating or replacing Wahconah Regional High School.
The question was whether the district should spend $850,000 on a feasibility study to look at options for the 56-year-old school.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority will reimburse the district for between 50 and 54 percent of the cost of the feasibility study, according to district officials. The same reimbursement rate from MSBA would apply if and when the district decides to move forward with any building project.
On Saturday, 1,761 voters turned out to decide on the feasibility study, and the margin was 1,313-448 in favor.
The question passed by overwhelming margins in five of the district's seven towns.
Only Cummington voted against the study, by a margin of 48-22. In Peru, it was a dead heat, 65-65.
In each of the other towns, the question passed by at least a 2-to-1 ratio.
In Dalton, the district's largest town and home of the high school, the vote was 774-178.
In the other four towns where the question passed, the margins were: Becket, 108-38; Hinsdale, 171-83; Washington, 80-12; and Windsor, 93-24.
The Wahconah Building Project Committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday at 4:30 to discuss next steps in the process.
During the feasibility stage, which is directed by the MSBA, districts engage with architects and engineers for up to 18 months to look at options for building, which officials say is deteriorating, outdated and inadequate to meet the needs of a 21st century high school.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Dalton CRA May Day Races Return May 5
Community submission
DALTON, Mass. — The 47th annual Community Recreation Association May Day Races will be held Sunday, May 5, at Nessacus Middle School, with major sponsorship by Greylock Federal Credit Union.
Races include 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer, the Obstacles & Popsicles kids’ races for ages 8 and under, and a 1-mile Splatter Sprint for ages 8 and up, all with chip timing by Berkshire Running Center, along with an untimed fun walk.
The 5K road/trail race, 10K road race and fun walk begin at 9 a.m. The Obstacles & Popsicles races begin at 10 a.m., with the Splatter Sprint immediately following.
The first 100 runners to register (combined 5K/10K) will receive a long-sleeve wicking T-shirt. Every participant in the Obstacles & Popsicles kids’ races will receive a ribbon and freeze pop at the finish line. All proceeds benefit nonprofit CRA and Dalton Youth Center programs.
For more information or to register, visit www.daltoncra.org or contact the CRA at 413-684-0260. Online registration is also available at berkshirerunningcenter.com.
Taylor Garabedian scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Abby Scialabba scored 16 points for the ‘Canes, who got 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists from Ashlyn Lesure. click for more
On Saturday afternoon at Lowell’s Tsongas Center, the Hurricanes will take aim at Division 5 State Championships in girls and boys basketball. click for more
Pittsfield High's Matt Dupuis and Lee's Bella Kotek Sunday completed a Berkshire County sweep at the State Bowling Championships at Bowlero.
click for more
Emily Holian’s strike to open the 10th frame of the Wildcats’ second game against Worcester Tech all but assured Lee a team title at Bowlero Chicopee.
click for more
Hoosac struggled to get into rhythm on the offensive end until Joey McGovern got the 3-ball working. McGovern finished the game with 21 points including a triple in the fourth quarter that cemented him in the record books. It took him nearly the whole game but he was able to join the 1,000-point... click for more