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 Shifts Focus From Merger to Improving Police Department

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The town will be seeking volunteers to serve on its police chief search committee. 
 
The process of finding, interviewing, and selecting a qualified candidate is expected to take several months. 
 
Interim Police Chief Timothy Garner, who has not accepted a stipend for the post, advocated that the board have a start date after the fiscal year to ensure voters approve the funds for the salary. 
 
"I'm more than happy to stay until the first of the fiscal year. If you want to wait until a budget is in place where you can actually advertise [a salary already approved at town meeting,]" the retired chief said. 
 
"If you do it now and you put somebody in there, what are you going to offer that might go away at town meeting." 
 
The town has been in discussions with the Lanesborough Police Department to explore the feasibility of a merger. 
 
However, after preliminary talks, that appears unlikely. As a result, the board is refocusing its efforts on strengthening its own department.
 
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