George Lane played a leading role in the regionalization of elementary, middle and high schools in the Berkshires, which became the Berkshire Hills Regional School District.

Lane challenged and encouraged the school systems and created and ­maintained award-winning programs in academics, athletics, the arts and special education. These programs provided a chance for students to excel in areas in which they might otherwise have not had the opportunity.

While Lane was in Easton, Mass., the school system received the Presidential Excellence in Education Award. Berkshire Hills, Mass., and Gloucester, Mass., produced nationally recognized high school bands. Athletic fields were improved upon or developed, including Tiger Stadium in Easton and the G.P. Lane Municipal Dome in Berkshire Hills. Lane was instrumental in creating the A-Wing at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, a project that provided job skills to ­students with physical and mental ­disabilities.

Lane was never satisfied with status quo and regularly mentored his staff to come up with new ideas and ways of getting things done, particularly during “chalk talk” times with teachers. He was often seen walking through the schools and popping in on classes, which allowed him to see firsthand the effectiveness of various initiatives.

When Lane retired from public school administration he was asked to join the Genesis Fund, a nonprofit organization that sponsors clinics and therapeutic recreational programs for children born with birth defects, genetic diseases and mental retardation. During that time, he received a call from Berkshire Hills to “unretire” and mentor a former staff member who was working her way up in the school administration ranks. Lane ­graciously accepted and after two years, his mentee was awarded the superintendent role.

Joel Shriberg

Pinehurst