The Berkshire Edge On-Air Wednesday March 30, 2022

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor.

1. It seems that proposed upgrades to our public education system is occupying public attention this week.The Great Barrington Selectboard has authorized a townwide vote on the town’s share of a $1.5 million study to determine whether a new high school should be built:https://theberkshireedge.com/great-barrington-authorizes-town-vote-on-1-5-million-to-fund-new-high-school-study/ 2. In the background, of course, is the potential merger of the Berkshire Hills and Southern Berkshire school districts that has been recommended by a consultant: https://theberkshireedge.com/consultant-recommends-full-merger-of-berkshire-hills-southern-berkshire-regional-school-districts/

3. At the same time, the Mt. Everett Regional School in the Southern Berkshire Regional School District has been designated an “early” college, part of the state’s Early College Initiative and in partnership with Simon’s Rock of Bard College:https://theberkshireedge.com/state-gives-mount-everett-early-college-designation/ And to prepare Mt. Everett students for college the Southern Berkshire School District is expanding its partnership with Simon’s Rock College in Great Barrington:https://theberkshireedge.com/sbrsd-expands-partnership-to-prepare-students-for-the-college-and-work-worlds/

4. Of course, we could not go a week without mentioning the burgeoning marijuana business.  And now it’s the mountain town of Becket, where town planners have approved a proposal to build a “cannabis grow facility” —a 31,000 square foot greenhouse with the somewhat menacing name of “Tetrahydra” — sounds like some creature from 20,000 Leagues under the Sea: https://theberkshireedge.com/becket-planners-approve-large-cannabis-grow-house-amid-questions-about-compliance-and-procedure/

5. Meanwhile, on the arts front,  David Edwards has written a review of the significant Sol LeWitt exhibit at the Williams College Museum of Art that will be up through June 11: https://theberkshireedge.com/strict-beauty-sol-lewitt-prints-at-williams-college-museum-of-art-through-june-11/ And if you can’t make it to Williamstown, we offer a video tour of the exhibit.