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Daily DigestMeetings
The Drury High School Council meets Tuesday, Jan 13, at 6:30 in the conference room. Agenda items include AYP, school grant, laptop initiative and PowerSchool updates. |
Steve Decker cleans up in front of BankNorth on Wednesday.
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More Snow
The Berkshires received several inches of snow this morning, but not enough to close schools, unlike yesterday's sleety mess. Temperatures will drop into the 20s this afternoon. A few more snow showers are expected through the weekend.
We have reports that the roads are very slippery to take care in the evening commute. |
Duff'em If You've Got'em
 North Adams Regional Hospital went smoke-free Monday — so did all its sister sites, from Sweet Brook to Northern Berkshire Family Practice to the Women's Exchange. No ashtrays, no smoking: No butts about it. |
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Like to Write?
 iBerkshires accepts submissions about local events, news and opinion pieces. There are openings for freelance work, too, for qualified candidates. E-mail tdaniels@iberkshires.com to find out more. |
Wanted: Eagle Eyes
 MassWildlife's annual eagle count runs Dec. 31 to Jan. 14. Anyone sighting one of the regal birds in Massachusetts is asked to participate.
Send date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, whether juvenile or adult and observer's contact information to Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us. |
RegionWhat's PlayingSales FliersColumnists | Independent Investor
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Obama TransitionOther StuffMars Rovers Mark 5 Years
 Spirit and Opportunity have been trekking the red planet for half a decade. Spirit hit the 5-year mark on Sunday; Opportunity will on Jan. 24. |
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Downing Votes To Improve State Education System - February 08, 2008
Legislation Creates Office of Education with Oversight Across the Education Spectrum
Boston - State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) on Thursday voted for targeted improvements in the state’s education system to create a comprehensive and cohesive public education experience for students that will prepare them better for the workforce.
“I am encouraged by this Administration’s commitment to strengthening our public education system. We need to take a fresh look at this system and find ways to improve the classroom experience to better prepare our students for the real challenges that await them,” said Downing. “This creates accountability in the system and paves the way for further reform to public education.”
The bill creates an Executive Office of Education and adds a new cabinet-level Secretary of Education appointed by the Governor. The Office and its Secretary will focus on improving policy and coordination between the areas of public early education, K-12 and higher education.
“This legislation takes the necessary steps to enhance the Commonwealth’s education system,” Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. “I want to acknowledge the Administration for its foresight and leadership in this effort to streamline education efforts. This bill will increase the level of opportunity for students throughout their educational experience and into the workplace.”
The legislation allows for the Executive Office of Education to contain the existing Department of Early Education and Care, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (formerly the Department of Education), and a new Department of Higher Education.
The bill expands the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to 11 members; the Board of Higher Education to 13 members; and the Board of Early Education and Care to 11 members. Expanding the Boards will help ensure greater diversity in experience, talent and perspective that will benefit the system and provide a wider range of input to the new Secretary of Education.
Under this legislation, the Secretary is responsible for reviewing and approving goals, requirements, mission statements and five-year master plans for the entire public education system. The Secretary will also review and approve the Departments’ budget recommendations and serve as a voting member on each of the Boards.
The Secretary will also serve as a member on the Board of the University of Massachusetts pertaining to higher education. |
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Marvel Comic Features Obama