Northern Berkshire regionalization steering committee begins review; two proposals remain under consideration

The Northern Berkshire regionalization steering committee met for the first full membership meeting to review the regional planning process, evaluation criteria and next steps.

Committee representatives — drawn from the School Committee and participating towns — reviewed submitted proposals and excluded one proposal for not meeting requirements. Two proposals remain under consideration; the committee said proposals would be scored primarily on non-budget criteria, with cost as a secondary factor. Members noted available funding is currently below estimated project cost, so adjustments to scope or additional funding may be required. The steering committee selected Aaron Dean as chair and Erin Milne as recording secretary and set its next meeting for Feb. 25 at McCann Tech, where proposals will be further reviewed and next steps determined, including selecting a consultant or potentially rebidding.

At the School Committee's Chairman's Report, members who attended a Massachusetts Association of School Committees legislative forum reported that local legislators supported a regionalization study but offered little near-term prospect for significant changes to the Chapter 70 funding formula; local advocacy and leadership by the communities were emphasized.