In a significant turnaround, voters in the Berkshire Hills Regional School District approved the construction of a new Monument Mountain High School with an overwhelming 78 percent majority. This decision, made in November 2023, marks a notable recovery from previous failed attempts to secure funding for school renovations, highlighting a community’s resilience and determination to improve education facilities.
A Journey of Rejection and Recovery
More than a decade ago, two proposals for extensive renovations at Monument Mountain Regional High School were rejected decisively by voters in Great Barrington, the district’s largest town. Both plans, which aimed at modernizing the aging facility with a combined cost exceeding $50 million, faced stiff opposition. The first proposal failed in 2013, followed by a second, slightly revised effort in 2014. Each time, the community’s response left school officials and advocates disheartened but determined to regroup and adopt a new strategy.
The recent approval of a brand-new high school comes with a much higher price tag of $152 million, of which the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) will reimburse $61 million. This time, the project received a broad base of support, a stark contrast to the skepticism that greeted previous initiatives. Peter Dillon, the district’s superintendent since 2009, expressed his surprise at the overwhelming support, stating, “I thought there was a chance it would have passed. I would have been happy with 51–49, but I would not have bet a dollar on 78 percent.”
Strategic Changes Leading to Success
One of the key factors contributing to the project’s success was the district’s responsiveness to community concerns raised during previous campaigns. After engaging in discussions about tax burdens, the school committee revised its approach, resulting in a significant reduction of Great Barrington’s share of the new school’s costs from 74 percent to 52 percent. This revision encouraged local voters to support the new initiative, as highlighted by Dillon: “The people of Stockbridge voted against their own economic interest to increase their share to make it more likely Great Barrington would embrace it.”
In addition to addressing tax concerns, the new school promises to expand vocational education programs, which have gained popularity. The school will offer a wider range of state-approved vocational programs beyond the previously limited options of automotive and horticulture, aiming to better prepare students for local job markets.
Community advocates played a vital role in the campaign for the new high school. The independent group, Yes Monument, led by co-chairs Ellen Lahr and Rebecca Gold, effectively utilized social media and community outreach to galvanize support. Their efforts included distributing 800 lawn signs and conducting numerous informational meetings, which helped to clarify the project’s benefits and address voter concerns. Lahr noted, “We managed to boil things down very well. The messaging was really good. Everyone was more focused this time around.”
The project is expected to open its doors in fall 2029, with construction set to begin on the existing school site. The existing building, which has served the community since the 1960s, will be demolished after the new school is completed. This transition aims to provide students with a modern learning environment that reflects current educational needs.
As local voters navigate ongoing economic and political challenges, the approval of the new Monument Mountain High School stands as a hopeful sign of local engagement and community spirit. Dillon emphasized that this project represents a proactive step for the community, allowing residents to take control of their educational future amid national uncertainties. “We may not be able to control everything, but we can come out and vote for this thing that’s going to matter really deeply to our children and grandchildren,” he added.
