BArT Awarded Grant Funding to Address Hate Crime Prevention

Print Story | Email Story
ADAMS, Mass. — Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School (BArT) has been selected for the Healey-Driscoll Administration's program to prevent hate crimes and reduce incidences of bias in schools.
 
"We want to make sure that students know that in Massachusetts, they are all welcome at school and supported by our incredible educators and staff. The Hate Crimes Prevention Grants provide our local schools with the resources and tools to prevent hate and create safe environments for students and their families," said Governor Healey.
 
BART has received $40,000 to help strengthen their ongoing work to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful school community. It will support specialized training for staff and continued funding for the DEIB office. It enables the school to further invest in evidence-based curriculum and diverse library resources, expand student programs, and bring in speakers who reflect a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Together, these efforts will deepen belonging, promote understanding, and help prevent hate and bias in schools and across the region.
 
"Our students have the right to feel safe and secure at school. These grants will help protect our school environments from hate and ensure that students are in the best environment to learn," said Representative Ken Gordon, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Education.

Tags: BArT,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Adams Plans Route 8 Blight, Winter Street Reconstruction

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

The narrow street runs along the river between Hoosac Street and Summer Street. Plans for the street have been under consideration for nearly 15 years. 
ADAMS, Mass. — The town is preparing to submit an application for Community Block Grant Funds following the designation of its blighted area on Route 8. 
 
CDBG is a federally funded competitive grant program administered by the state. It can be used for activities that address blight, housing, beautification, demolition and economic development.
 
According to a report by Berkshire Regional Planning Commission 26.5 percent of the existing primary buildings in the area are physically deteriorated and include high vacancy, suspected contamination, abandoned properties, and decline in property value. The overall percentage of properties contributing to slum and blight is 32.1 percent. 
 
The town will be applying for the maximum amount communities can receive, $950,000. The public hearing, required prior to submitting an application, will take place at the Select Board meeting on Wednesday. The deadline for fiscal year 2026 is April 21.
 
If approved, grant funds would be used to rehabilitate six housing units and complete a "big" construction project focused on Winter Street, said Donna Cesan, community development director. 
 
"We've been talking about Winter Street for a long time," she said. 
 
Currently, the Winter Street project is estimated to cost $760,000. The town will need to use Chapter 90 road funds because its expecting to get $550,000 to $600,000 from CDBG.
 
View Full Story

More Adams Stories