Berkshire Hills School Committee Backs Fishtank ELA Curriculum
Berkshire Hills schools land top bond rating, pick new reading curriculum. S&P Global awarded the district an SP1+ rating, its highest possible, clearing the way for up to $16 million in lower-cost borrowing for the high school building project.
School Committee · Meeting of May 21, 2026
GREAT BARRINGTON — Berkshire Hills schools land top bond rating, pick new reading curriculum. S&P Global awarded the district an SP1+ rating, its highest possible, clearing the way for up to $16 million in lower-cost borrowing for the high school building project. Superintendent Dr.
McCandless credited the district's finance team, including Steve Soule and adviser Ben Oglesby, and separately accepted a statewide award for superintendents in Marlboro. Elementary teachers chose Fishtank ELA over EL Education after a spring pilot, with coach Sarah Corzo-Holloran continuing support into next year. ESL teachers Christine Martin and Ellie Holt reported 14 students exited English-learner services this year, more than double the typical rate.
The committee approved its prior meeting's minutes unanimously and flagged concerns about a looming state graduation-standards report, warning "budget implications are immense."
In the full story:
- The complete report — 798 words
Source: the School Committee meeting of May 21, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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