Berkshire Leadership Program Applications Due

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 1Berkshire is accepting applications for its 2022 Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP) which is now in its twenty-second year.  Only 30 candidates are selected to participate in the program each year.
 
Applications are open until Dec. 9. 
 
The application and more information about the program can be found here.
 
BLP seeks, prepares, and involves individuals from every career level who are committed to addressing community challenges and moving the Berkshires forward.  There have been more than 650 community-minded graduates of the program since its inception in 1997.
 
The program kicks off with a two-day retreat, which includes training in many facets of leadership, problem-solving techniques, and networking.  The retreat is followed by an economic development bus-tour of Berkshire County and eight weekly evening sessions on topics that define a community, including education, workforce development, government, energy, community engagement, creative economy, healthcare, and leadership.
 
"Berkshire Leadership Program was the bridge between me and the community I live and work," BLP Steering Committee Co-Chair Ricardo Morales said. "Through the program and with the professional connections I made, I can understand the opportunities and challenges in our county and know that I am prepared to take action as a leader in my community." 
 
Ricardo is the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works for the City of Pittsfield.

Tags: 1Berkshire,   

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

Central Berkshire School Officials OK $35M Budget

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School Committee approved a $35 million budget for fiscal 2025 during its meeting on Thursday.
 
Much of the proposed spending plan is similar to what was predicted in the initial and tentative budget presentations, however, the district did work with the Finance subcommittee to further offset the assessments to the towns, Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis said. 
 
"What you're going see in this budget is a lower average assessment to the towns than what you saw in the other in the tentative budget that was approved," she said. 
 
The fiscal 2025 budget is $35,428,892, a 5.56 percent or $1,867,649, over this year's $33,561,243.
 
"This is using our operating funds, revolving revenue or grant revenue. So what made up the budget for the tentative budget is pretty much the same," Director of Finance and Operations Gregory Boino said.
 
"We're just moving around funds … so, we're using more of the FY25 rural aid funds instead of operating funds next year."
 
Increases the district has in the FY25 operating budget are from active employee health insurance, retiree health insurance, special education out-of-district tuition, temporary bond principal and interest payment, pupil transportation, Berkshire County Retirement contributions, and the federal payroll tax. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories