FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For those seeking more information, visit our FAQ pages, which we continue to add to. Of course, don’t hesitate to send us additional questions by using the contact form.

Link for the FAQs

Link for the contact form

FACT BRIEFS

Our Board Represents You

Our Board Has Been Following a Process

School Enrollment Is Declining

Career Vocational Technical Education

WHO WE ARE

The Regional School District Planning Board (RSDPB) is a group of community members from the eight towns that represent the Berkshire Hills Regional School District (BHRSD) and the Southern Berkshire Regional School District (SBRSD) committed to strengthening public education across our eight towns.The RSDPB was formed in early 2020 in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71, Section 14, with the moderator of each of our eight towns appointing three members to serve on the RSDPB, with one of the three a school committee member.We have since launched a process to conduct research, solicit feedback from our community, and explore collaboration and consolidation possibilities

WHY WE EXIST

Over the last 20 years, our public schools have been faced with a sharp decline in student enrollment that is projected to continue, rising operations costs (i.e. technology, benefits, special programming), and declining/flat revenues resulting in towns bearing a greater fiscal burden of total school funding.

These developments have led to a desire to consider the educational and financial advisability of consolidation of the two districts along a spectrum of possible options.

OUR VISION

To remain a place known for great schools, a high quality of life, and a place where you want to raise your kids.

OUR MANDATE

The statutory mandate of the RSDPB is to:

Study the fiscal and educational advisability of establishing a regional school district, organization, operation, control, constructing, maintaining, and operating to serve student needs

Develop an estimate of construction and operating costs

Assess the education soundness, methods of financing, and any other matters pertaining to the organization and operation of a consolidated district

Report the board's findings to the selectboards of the eight towns

Ultimately, we seek to develop community-informed solutions to the challenges that our districts face.

IF WE ARE SUCCESSFUL, WE WILL

Explore ways to improve access, diversity, breadth and quality of education (programs, courses, activities, enrichment, and career pathways) for children across our two districts so they are fully prepared for college, career and life, whether here in the Berkshires or beyond

Advance collaborations and new programming (e.g., expanded pre-K, career technical education, enrichment opportunities) and enhanced safety nets (e.g., counseling, social-emotional supports, special and alternative education) that support the unique needs of all children

Maintain and honor the unique identity of each eight town community, ensuring citizens remain fully connected and engaged with their schools

Reflect age appropriate social and learning practices, such as transportation/travel time and the number of school/grade transitions

Engage a broad cross-section of community stakeholders in developing solutions, recognizing challenges are regional and local

Create economies of scale (financial savings) through new collaborations and technologies

HOW WE ARE ORGANIZED

The RSDPB is organized into several subcommittees with a primary focus on particular elements of the project. Members from the full board sit on these subcommittees and explore topics with the support of the superintendents, consultants, and community members.

Educational Quality

Community Outreach

Finance

Operations

Project Management

For more information link to WHO WE ARE.

News from Our Project Manager

Thanks to those who attended our community talks on June 28th and 30th. To view the powerpoint used to guide the conversation, link here. Access to the prereading and the group reading can be found here and here. A synthesis of the two convenings will be shared on July 8th during the Community Outreach subcommittee.

We’ve added a new Fact Brief on Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE). Link here.

To learn more and explore the many reports and presentations, visit the RESOURCES link.

Please visit our CONTACT page to share your questions and thoughts. We want to hear from you!

The Eight Towns We Serve

Great Barrington, Stockbridge, West Stockbridge: Berkshire Hills Regional School District

Alford, Egremont, Monterey, New Marlborough, Sheffield: Southern Berkshire Regional School District

OUR FUNDERS