The School Committee unanimously supported hiring West.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee is offering the director of special education job to Gretchen West.

 

West is currently a unit leader for the related services unit, which includes occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologies, teachers of the hearing and visually impaired. She was chosen over another in-house finalist, AnnMarie Carpenter, the district's unit leader for psychologists and school adjustment counselors.

 

"We were doubly blessed in our two finalists, AnnMarie Carpenter and Gretchen West. These two finalists represent the very best in public education — deep expertise, tireless devotion to students, expectations fort everyone, compassion for all," said Superintendent Jason McCandless.

 

"The two finalist presented our cabinet, and in the end — me, with one of the most difficult professional decisions I have ever had to make."

 

The two were narrowed down from 17 applications to replace Stephanie Case, who is retiring. Eleven applicants had the Massachusetts certifications needed and were narrowed down to a pool of five. From there, Carpenter and West made it to the final interviews.

 

"We are fortunate that we find ourselves growing our own leaders," said School Committee Chairwoman Katherine Yon.

 

McCandless ultimately chose West, who he said the decision was agonizing because he had to choose between the two but also a luxury because he could.

 

"In the end this decision was made, as we always try to do, with the bigger picture in mind and with the interconnectedness of all departments, employees, students, and families in mind. The decision was made in an effort to recognize strengths and experiences in the context of what this particular job requires at this particular moment in the Pittsfield Public Schools," McCandless said.

 

For other administrative changes, McCandless said he will be asking the School Committee's permission to promote Richard Brady to assistant superintendent for career and vocational education permanently. Brady is currently serving that role on an interim basis.

 

"He has improved our vocational education across the board. We are thankful for that and we feel very strongly that he should move into that position immediately," McCandless said.

 

Also recently, the School Committee appointed Jennifer Stokes as the new principal at Morningside Community School. Morningside's former principal, Joseph Curtis, was promoted to deputy superintendent earlier this year.

 

In other business, the Conte Community School's Neighborhood Advisory Council is donating $15,000 toward new swings at the school. And the School Committee approved another contract with Russell Dupree for legal representation. The hourly rate for Dupree has increased from $185 to $200. 

 

"Russell Dupree is never more than a phone call away," Yon said, pleased with the service.