A strong public education system is one of the most important investments we can make for the future of the Berkshires. Our schools help shape not only the success of our students, but also the strength of our workforce, the health of our communities, and the long-term economic vitality of our region.

Across the 1st Berkshire District, our schools face a unique set of challenges. Declining enrollment, rising transportation costs, workforce shortages, increasing special education expenses, and growing student mental health needs are placing significant pressure on local districts and taxpayers alike. At the same time, our students deserve access to the same opportunities available anywhere else in Massachusetts, regardless of whether they live in North Adams, Cheshire, Williamstown, or Florida.

I believe that every student should have access to a high-quality public education that prepares them for whatever path they choose after graduation, whether that is college, a skilled trade, military service, entrepreneurship, or direct entry into the workforce. We need to continue to strengthen the connections between our primary schools, higher education institutions, career training programs, and local employers so that more young people can build successful futures right here in the Berkshires. Whether it’s early college programming that has been spearheaded and highly successful right here in the 1st Berkshire District with MCLA, new trades training like the HVAC program at McCann, or the high demand certifications and trainings in healthcare now being built and operated at BCC, MCLA, and within our K-12 system. Each of these represents an example of how we do things well right here in our region, and lays the groundwork for how we can continue to advance educational support.

As someone who is descended from a long line of educators and whose career has been rooted in education, entrepreneurship support, workforce development, and community engagement, I understand that education policy cannot stop at the classroom door. Strong schools are directly connected to housing, childcare, transportation, workforce development, and economic opportunity. If we want to retain young families, attract new residents, and build a stronger regional economy, we must continue investing in educational excellence at every level.

I support continued and enhanced investment in public education, career and technical education,and early childhood education.  That investment must also include school-based mental health services to ensure our students are in the best position to succeed in the classroom.  For our region in particular, I support funding for workforce development pathways that align with the needs of our regional economy. I also support policies that recognize the unique challenges facing rural and small-city districts, particularly around transportation funding, the imbalance of special education costs and state funding formulas, and educator recruitment and retention. When local students’ needs change, we need to be aggressive in advocating and designing policies that remain agile to these cost-of-service impacts, and be willing to change existing practices such as the chapter 70 funding formula. Times are always changing, and our State leadership needs to recognize that and act accordingly. Together, we need to foster a culture of equitable education investment that lifts up our students and families, not one that measures their value off of standardized tests that have proven to be determined more heavily by median household income, and not the quality of our educators, the commitment of our students or the support of our communities.

Massachusetts has long been a national leader in education, but maintaining that leadership requires continued investment and a willingness to adapt to changing realities. That means supporting students, families, educators, and school districts with practical solutions that strengthen outcomes while respecting local decision-making.

Statewide education policy should not be driven by only trying to replicate homogenous models that might work in Boston, but by systems that serve all communities and students in the way that suits their needs. It should be driven by what helps students succeed in the cities and towns they live in, supports educators in their work and livelihoods, strengthens communities from the ground up, and creates opportunities for future generations to live, work, play and thrive in the place we call home.

Every student deserves a pathway to success, whether that pathway leads to a college classroom, a skilled trade, military service, entrepreneurship, or a career right here in the Berkshires. As your State Representative, I will work collaboratively with educators, families, school leaders, higher education institutions, workforce partners, and state agencies to make sure that the Berkshires have a strong voice in shaping the future of education policy in Massachusetts, and will ensure that our communities get the tailored support we need and deserve.