SBRSD FY2023 Budget Information

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EARLY ELEMENTARY Southern Berkshire Regional School District is committed to providing a developmentally appropriate, school-based learning experience for children ages 3 and up. Early intervention and supports provided at a young age are known to assist young children in preparation for Kindergarten. In 2021- 22, SBRSD increased the number of PK classrooms from 2-4, to expand this early learning opportunity. Developmental interventions, such as social-emotional, fine and gross motor, early literacy and numeracy, and speech/language, are offered in each classroom by a licensed specialist in each area. Students also participate in specials such as music, art, and physical education. Screenings are conducted for both Pre-K and Kindergarten students prior to entering the program (as much as possible). The screening is a well-researched, evidence-based, series of tools designed to provide information on developmental skills in a variety of areas, including gross and fine motor skills, academic readiness, and speech/language development. The Kindergarten screening also contains components of the mandated Dyslexia screening, which became a required component of the Kindergarten assessment process. Information from the results gathered during the screenings is used to help identify appropriate placement in our programs. The budget supports the expansion of our early childhood and screening assessment programs. The Early Childhood Program at SBRSD is focused on creating an inclusive learning experience for all children, ages 3-6, in the full-day school setting. Developmentally appropriate curriculum, based on the Boston PK-3 model, is one foundation for our program. Pre-Kindergarten programs are currently located in the Undermountain Elementary School and New Marlborough Central. Currently, 48 students access that program. The district is working with local agencies to explore extended day opportunities for our students in PK-grade 2 and beyond, as a means to providing a full-spectrum experience to students and families. Mt. Everett’s Spring Musical – “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Elementary students participate in “Read Across America”
RSDPB UPDATE It is now two years since the eight towns in the two regional school districts in the Berkshires decided to create a Regional District Planning Board (RSDPB) to explore whether or not the two districts could improve educational quality or find cost savings by coming together in some way. This was prompted by a concern about projected lower enrollment and increased costs. Initial consultants provided information about the current state of buildings, enrollment numbers, operations, educational offerings, student achievement, transportation, and finances for both districts. Then the Berkshire County Educational Task Force led by Jake Eberwein was hired in June 2021 to do the lion’s share of the research and act as the project managers. This group, which had been advocating for consolidation of districts in Berkshire County since 2015, was asked to look a three models: full K-12 regionalization; formation of a combined high school district Grades 9-12, maintenance of two independent elementary regional (K-8) districts; increased and formal collaboration between districts, districts remain independent. On March 22, the management team summarized the details of possible scenarios for these three models. They identified their preferred model as a full merger of the two districts including building a new high school with a vocational technical education center on the Monument Mountain campus. During April, the planning board participated in 3 discussions about the various models which were facilitated by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The 23 municipal members were joined by the superintendents, staff, and teacher representatives from both districts. Many questions were raised about actual savings, educational approaches, and impact on the two districts. Next the board must reach a consensus on whether to accept the recommendation of the project management team and proceed to the planning stages. Watch for notice of public information sessions and focus groups to gather feedback from the communities. More work is ahead for the board before any final plan is brought to town meetings for a vote. For more information about process, findings, and posting of meetings go the website 8towns.org. Ultimately you, the voters, will decide. Now is the time to get involved. Mr. Barbieri’s Senior Math Class Mr. VonRuden’s Woodworking Class 5
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SBRSD FY2023 Budget Information

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