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School Committee Chair Richard Peters, new Dalton representative Sara Tucker and Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis.

Central Berkshire School Committee Appoints Dalton Representative

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass.  — Central Berkshire Regional School Committee appointed its newest member, Sara Tucker, during its meeting last week. 
 
Tucker will be serving as the committee's Dalton representative taking the place of the town's former representative Nicole Tucker. Although Sara and Nicole share a last name they have no relation. 
 
Nicole Tucker decided to leave her seat early, which caused a vacancy on the committee that needed to be filled. The district put a call out for applications and received three but two dropped out. 
 
The seat will be included in the elections in November so the community can vote who they want to have as the Dalton representative. 
 
Sara Tucker is a supervisor for an adolescent unit at the state Department of Children and Families. 
 
As a social worker, she has experience working with teens in the criminal justice system which the committee has not had before, committee Chair Richard Peters said. 
 
"I'm excited actually, because obviously she has a lot of energy and a lot of really good experience and it's good to have a really great mix of people, parents, other folks who've been not in education, folks that are in education, and we have a really good blend of all of the above characters," Peters said. 
 
"So, it really works out well and everybody on the committee is very respectful and it's just a pleasure to be on this committee, and I hope it maintains that for sure. It actually makes it really nice. So, I'm excited to have her, that's for sure." 
 
Tucker has children in the district, one who will be going to Nessacus Regional Middle School next year and another one is involved in special education and receives Individualized Education Program services. She also is president of the Parent Teacher Organization.
 
"Since my kiddos started, I've been trying to figure out ways to kind of be helpful to the school system to be helpful to my children and their growth within the school system," Tucker said. 
 
"I think she has an excellent background," Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis. "She has great ideas, great suggestions. She's very invested in all students. She has children in the district."
 
As the PTO president, Tucker has helped the Craneville Elementary School principal bring in more "diversity, equity inclusion" with a reading program. 
 
The program works to increase belonging and make children feel included while also encouraging readers, especially the reluctant readers, she said. She is also working with Craneville to bring the entrepreneur fair for its fifth graders. 
 
She has a master's degree in social work from the University of Albany in New York and a post-master's certificate working with adolescents and children that are dealing with different challenges. 
 
"Having that experience and coming from where I'm trying to kind of fix things. I would love to be able to kind of come in here and help create more positive change for our kids and our staff," Tucker said. 

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Letter: Elect Deborah Maynard in Lanesborough

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Why I'm voting for Deborah Maynard for the Lanesborough Select Board.

I have known Debbie for over 50 years. She is a person of high standards, moral values, intellect and integrity. Having worked with her, I know she possesses a strong work ethic, is competent, committed to excellence and takes pride the quality of her work.

She is active in the community and will bring to public service not only a vast amount of experience in municipal government but from life. Her common sense, character, experience and leadership abilities will guide her in the decision making that is necessary for the Select Board. Debbie grew up here, and is committed to preserving all she loves about this community.

Serving on the Select Board is not always an easy task in a small town. You're always accountable to friends and neighbors who may not always agree with your position. Debbie and I have not always agreed or held the same opinion on issues we've discussed. But Debbie is a listener and not only respects what others think and have to say, but knows you can frequently learn something from another point of view. She is not afraid to stand up, speak up and defend what she believes is right. She does so in a civil way. That, to me, is a clear demonstration of leadership. Being available, listening, asking questions and taking action make her an effective leader.

Debbie will do her very best to serve the interests of what is best for this small town.

She has served on the planning board, public safety building committee and is a volunteer for VITA. When there was a sudden staff turnover at Town Hall in the collector and treasurer offices, Debbie immediately stepped up and volunteered her expertise and time to keep the tax collector's office operating to ensure there would be no disruption of services for residents for the entire interim period. She did this out of devotion to her community.

She is a team player and will serve our community well. I encourage you to cast your vote on June 18 for Deborah Maynard.

Linda Pruyne
Lanesborough, Mass.

 

 

 

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