BArT Board Announces Executive Director

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Igoe will continue his leadership at BArT after an international search.
ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Arts and Technology (BArT) Charter Public School's Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Jonathan Igoe as BArT's next Executive Director. 
 
His appointment follows a recommendation from the Executive Director Search Committee and a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. 
 
Igoe will continue his leadership at BArT after an international search. Igoe came to the Berkshires to serve as Executive Director of the Williamstown Youth Center in 2003. He then worked at Overland, an adventure travel program for students, for 14 years as Director and Managing Director, overseeing leader recruitment and training, risk management, and communications. 
 
Igoe earned a Bachelor's degree in History from Yale University and a Master's in Education from MCLA. He has taught history and math in public and private schools in New England. He loves spending time exploring the outdoors with his wife and children.
 
"As a board member, it has been a privilege to work with Jonathan over the past several years," said Tom Bernard, chair of the BArT Board of Trustees. "My appreciation, confidence, and trust in him have only increased during my time as chair. He is a dedicated educator and thoughtful leader who is committed to continuous improvement for himself and most especially for the students, staff, faculty, families, and partners who make up the BArT community. Jonathan blends this inclusive approach to leadership with an impressive record of accomplishments that includes leading a successful charter renewal process; engaging the school community to develop and draft the school's 2025-2030 strategic plan; appointing dynamic new staff; and securing funding to support civics education, STEM equipment, restorative practices, student supports, and other strategic initiatives. The Board of Trustees looks forward to our continued and productive partnership with Jonathan as he steps fully into the role of Executive Director of BArT."
 
Bernard expressed gratitude for the work done by the search committee: Gina Puc, Trustee (Chair of the Executive Director Search Committee); George Ambriz, Trustee; Alison Bost, Trustee (Vice Chair of the Board); Kelli Kozak, Trustee (and past BART parent); Tim Herrmann, Teacher-Mathematics; Stephanie Maselli, Director of Counseling Services, in collaboration with search consultants from Carney Sandoe and Associates, John Faubert Heather Flewelling. 
 
Countless hours were spent connecting with potential candidates and then selecting six semifinalists, then three finalists from a robust pool.
 
Igoe will hit the ground running and build upon the strong foundation of the current BArT strategic plan to lead the school in its next exciting chapter.
 
"I am honored to lead BArT Charter Public School into its next chapter. I am grateful to the Board and the search committee for their dedication throughout this process and for their trust in me as the leader of this school. My vision is to ensure we remain an outstanding option for families. BART is a school of choice for families where all students can gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success in college. I am thrilled to continue this work," said Igoe.

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Cheshire Speed Limits Reduced, Code of Conduct Mulled

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

CHESHIRE, Mass. — Some streets will soon be slower for cars with the Department of Public Works replacing the speed limit signs in response to community concerns.

The town adopted Chapter 90, Section 17C to reduce some local road speed limits to 25 mph. Twenty-three streets are approved by the state; signs are ordered from the state Department of Transportation and should arrive within a couple weeks.

DPW Director Corey McGrath told the Selectmen at last Tuesday's meeting that the department had received concerns from residents wanting people to be slower on the following streets:

  • Church Street 
  • East Main Street 
  • portions of Wells Road 
  • Main Street 
  • Furnace Hill Road
  • Flaherty Road
  • Pit Road
  • Prospect Street 
  • Dean Street 
  • Richmond Street 
  • School Street 
  • Railroad Street 
  • Depot Street 
  • Richardson Street 
  • 5th Avenue
  • Meadowview Drive 
  • Wood Lane
  • Dean Street Extension 
  • portions of Ingalls Road 
  • Devonshire Drive 
  • Yorkshire Drive
  • Berkshire Drive 
  • Wilshire Drive 

Chair Michelle Francesconi asked McGrath to look into the signs solar-powered "slow down" signs. She also spoke about increasing problems with electric bicycles and similar devices.

Young people are going 30 to 40 mph, often on sidewalks, weaving between cars, cutting through private property and town property and riding in the road, she said, and brought up how other towns are creating bylaws to address these problems. Francesconi thought the board should look into it as well as a matter of public safety.

The state is currently revising related laws, so the board will see what the Legislature passes and then model bylaws on other communities.

Francesconi also said that since there is limited police coverage at night during most of the behavior, she suggested shifting some patrol hours to evenings to address youth riding behavior.

Later in the meeting, Francesconi also brought up code of conduct for town employees as she has been receiving numerous reports regarding professionalism, boundaries, confidentiality, and internal relationships and communication among town hall staff, department heads, and with the public.

She said town counsel has recommended adopting a code of conduct as well as providing training. After some discussion, the board decided to get a catalog of training options and identify mandatory and optional trainings. Members are also thinking of doing them in-person.

In other news, the Fire Department's rescue boat missing from the water because motor is broken and is in the process of being replaced.

There are two applicants in the running for the police chief position who will be doing the assessment center on Aug. 17. The Selectmen will get their resumes afterward and decide on interviews.

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