 Pittsfield High Investigation Extended One MonthThe school district-initiated investigation into alleged misconduct of Pittsfield High School staffers will conclude by the end of April, one month later than expected. Pittsfield School District Says No Personnel Layoffs PlannedThe district says that no school employees will lose their jobs because of reductions in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Pittsfield Superintendent Details 'Nightmare' Threat IncidentWednesday's threat incident was Superintendent Joseph Curtis' "absolute worst nightmare." Pittsfield Police Say No School Threat Posed by Social Media PostPolice are investigating a social media threat related to the Pittsfield Public Schools. Additional Stearns Staffers on Leave Amid 'De-escalation' AllegationsAdditional Stearns Elementary School staff members have been placed on leave amid allegations of using a bathroom to "de-escalate" students. Stearns Staff Accused of Using Bathroom to 'De-Escalate' StudentsA report was filed with the state Department of Children and Families and separate investigations are being conducted by DCF and the Pittsfield Public Schools. Pittsfield School Policy Panel Endorses Social Media RegsLast week, the Policy subcommittee sent a revised document to the School Committee that bars teachers and staff from friending students and giving out their private phone numbers. Pittsfield School Committee Stands With LGBTQ-plus StudentsOn Wednesday, the committee adopted a Safe Schools Resolution that declares the Pittsfield Public Schools a safe space for all students regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation and a safe space to explore gender identity and/or sexual orientation. DCF Clears Two Pittsfield High AdministratorsOn Friday, School Committee Chair William Cameron confirmed that DCF’s 51A investigation of allegations of abuse or neglect made against PHS Dean of Students Molly West was unsupported. Pittsfield Will Seek an Interim School SuperintendentA couple of weeks ago, Curtis announced that he would be stepping down at the end of June after 30 years with the Pittsfield Public Schools. Pittsfield Schools: No 'Friending' StudentsProhibiting staff from friending students on social media aims to maintain professional boundaries and ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone in the schools.  Pittsfield Superintendent Announces ResignationAfter 30 years with the district, Superintendent Joseph Curtis has decided to step down in June. Over 70 Percent of Pittsfield Students Are in PovertyThis increase comes in part due to a nearly $60 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2026 filed by Gov. Maura Healey, which includes $7.3 billion in Chapter 70 aid to school districts — an increase of $420 million from the previous year. Herberg School Closed Tuesday for Heating IssuesEarly in the morning, it was discovered that the boilers were not functioning properly and around 8 a.m., the school was notified of electrical and boiler issues that could not be rectified. Temperatures were around 35 degrees.  Worldwide PowerSchool Breach Reaches Pittsfield, North Berkshire SchoolsDistrict students and teachers had their personal information accessed as part of a worldwide PowerSchool breach.  Pittsfield to Decide Crosby/Conte Feasibility Study in OctoberCity and school officials are expected to vote on a feasibility study for the Crosby Elementary School rebuild by Halloween.  Pittsfield Super Details Emergency Communication with FamiliesIn September, when the district got word of a police chase on upper West Street, there were no questions asked when the PPD instructed them to shelter in place.  Williams Elementary Receives National DesignationWilliams Elementary School has received national recognition for its performance. Pittsfield Goes Back to School With Tighter Cell Phone PolicyThe School Committee has tightened the district's cell phone regulations but some recognize that it may not be enough.  PIttsfield School Committee Endorses 'Aggressive' Timeline to Decide on Middle School ConfigurationThe School Committee on Wednesday approved an ambitious timeline that could see the city's middle school reconfiguration implemented as soon as the 2025-26 academic year. Super Explains Changes in Pittsfield Schools' Central OfficeAdministrators will soon decide to repost the assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, and educational, engagement or to keep the role of interim deputy superintendent for the time being and repost the other position in early 2025. Pittsfield Schools May See Tighter Cell Phone PolicySuperintendent Joseph Curtis would like to see the district's cell phone policy tightened up after more than 6,000 violations were accrued during the last school year. Taconic Principal Tapped for Pittsfield's Deputy SuperintendentThe School Committee has tapped Taconic High's principal as the interim deputy superintendent.  Pittsfield Schools Add 'Transformation & Accountability' PostThe school district's former special education director has been appointed as the assistant superintendent for school transformation and accountability. Pittsfield Schools Assign Placeholder for $200K Budget CutThe school district found a $200,000 cost savings in computer replacements to accommodate the City Council's budget cut. |
