Jake Eberwein News Today

The School Committee cited enhanced communication and a focus on the challenges facing the Lenox public schools.

This year roughly the same number of students from each district are attending the other.

The “popular vote” in the eight towns was a 50-50 split, but all the communities had to be on board for the agreement to move forward.

In a 143-78 vote, Egremont rejected an eight-town school district merger, which puts an end to this particular consolidation plan unless the town later reconsiders.

Despite pleas to the town’s Select Board from those recommending the merger that Egremont not “jump the gun” on its vote, the town will hold its meeting two days early.

Officials recommend voters of the eight towns read what would be the regional agreement for a newly formed district before voting on Oct. 23.

Two school districts comprised of eight towns total might be merging if voters want it. Care to know whats in the proposed regional agreement for the merged school districts?

We certainly understand the concerns over student attention spans in the digital age, though we have doubts as to whether a statewide phone restriction policy would be the best approach.

Succeeding interim Superintendent Jake Eberwein, William "Bill" Collins has just started work as the Lenox schools superintendent.

The state might eventually prohibit students from cellphones in public schools. Heres what some Berkshire schools are already doing about the distraction problem.