Dear School Committee Members,
The purpose of this letter is to present the fiscal year 2022 Central Berkshire Regional School District budget to the CBRSD School Committee. The budget this year has been configured under unusual circumstances due to the onset of COVID-19. However, despite these unique challenges, we are confident that the collaborative efforts between myself, the Director of Finance and Operations, and input from the administrative team have resulted in a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes equitable educational opportunities for all Central Berkshire students.
Last year’s fiscal year 2021 budget prioritized a tiered learning infrastructure designed to increase academic achievement for students as well as embedded professional development for staff. Our intention was to create systems and structures that prioritized strategic and inclusive instruction that carried out our commitment toward Universal Design for Learning, Instructional Coaching, equitable pedagogical practices, and social and emotional growth. The financial resources we put into place toward that end were invaluable toward supporting our remote and hybrid learning models this year. We were able to provide essential training and support for all teachers around a K-12 common digital platform through the utilization of instructional coaching. Instructional support staff such as Academic Interventionists and Title I Tutors were able to respond strategically in individual and small group instruction. Our Content Coordinator of Social and Emotional Learning crafted a survey for all students in order to collaboratively target SEL support from guidance and our school adjustment counselors to meet the needs of the whole child. Also of note is that all students K-12 were provided with Chromebooks and families that required internet coverage were provided with a hotspot to create equitable learning opportunities during remote and hybrid learning.
Moving forward, our goals reflect a commitment to equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for all students with special consideration of the effects of COVID-19. Our academic and social and emotional resources are essential toward accomplishing our goals. As part of this commitment, we are cognizant that our 7 member towns are feeling the financial impact that both a new high school and COVID-19 are having on households. As such, we will keep a close eye on upcoming decisions that that will minimize this impact and revise as necessary prior to the final budget.
Finally, on behalf of the administrative team, we appreciate the deep level of commitment and caring that you demonstrate for the students and staff of Central Berkshire Regional School District. We request support for a budget that we are proud of and feel confident will meet the needs of all learners within the district as well as align to the CBRSD Strategic Plan.
Respectfully Submitted,
Leslie Blake-Davis