Pittsfield School Committee to Vote on Administrators' ContractBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:34PM / Sunday, February 02, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee will vote on an administrators' contract next week. Educators hope their contract isn't far behind.
A special meeting will be held at City Hall to vote on a new contract for the Pittsfield Educational Administrators Association representing deans, principals, assistant superintendents, school psychologists, and adjustment counselors.
The PEAA's last contract ran from 2021-2024. Approval was tabled at the committee's Jan. 22 meeting.
Chair William Cameron explained that changes in the collective bargaining agreement the committee was asked to ratify were not made available to all members until earlier that day.
"A
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Pittsfield's Middle School Restructuring Panel Preparing RecommendationBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:09AM / Thursday, January 30, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Middle School Restructuring Committee will form a proposal in the next couple of weeks.
On Monday, members divided into groups to prepare for a consensus that is expected on Feb. 10. The two-year effort to rework Pittsfield's middle school model will conclude with a recommendation to the School Committee on February 12.
A grade configuration that retains sixth grade in elementary school has risen to the top as the most popular option. However, the committee could also recommend spending more time on the proposal.
"This really did not begin as a middle school conversation," Superintendent Joseph Curtis said.
He reminded the group
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Youth Sign Connect Returns to Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires| 03:51PM / Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires is bringing back Youth Sign Connect, a program offering members the chance to learn and engage with American Sign Language (ASL). Weekly sessions begin Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 5 to 6 p.m. The interactive program is free for Club members, but advance registration is required due to limited spots. Open to both beginners and returning participants, Youth Sign Connect aims to enhance communication skills and promote inclusivity. Parents and guardians can register online at bgcberkshires.org. >> Read More |
BCC to Hold Open House for Workforce & Community Education Programs | 10:22AM / Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass — Berkshire Community College (BCC)'s Workforce & Community Education department will hold an open house for prospective students on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 5-7 p.m. in The Connector, located on BCC's main campus at 1350 West Street, Pittsfield. Participants will not only get in-depth information about programs to develop new skills, advance in their current field and explore new career opportunities, but they can also apply to BCC on the spot. A demonstration table for the phlebotomy program will be available, along with informational materials for all the programs offered by the Workforce and Community Education >> Read More |
Boys & Girls Club Members Can Get Homework Help| 04:30PM / Monday, January 27, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires offers a free homework help program for youth members in third grade and up as a way to support community youth in their academic journey. Available every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 at the club, the program has been a cornerstone of the its commitment to education. With the assistance of staff and volunteers, students receive personalized support in completing assignments, tackling challenging topics, and building confidence in their abilities. Parents and guardians are encouraged to explore "Power Hour," a structured approach to homework help that promotes focus, time management, and >> Read More |
Reid Student Is Levine Spelling Bee Champion| 04:54PM / Saturday, January 25, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Top spellers from Herberg and Reid Middle Schools competed in the 2025 Jonathan Levine Middle School Spelling Bee at the Berkshire Athenaeum. Spellers went 10 rounds to crown this year's victor: Emily Escalon-Brizuela, from Reid Middle School. In the last round, Emily inched out Averi Olds, the top Herberg speller. Last year, these same two spellers battled it out, with Averi taking home the 2024 trophy. "It was a lot of intensity. I was very impressed by the poise," said judge state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier. Both Emily and Averi (as the top spellers from their respective schools) will advance to regionals in an >> Read More |
Pittsfield High Basketball Coach Released Without ExplanationBy Stephen Dravis, iBerkshires Staff
12:15PM / Saturday, January 25, 2025 | |
 PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Joe Racicot has given four decades of his life to coaching basketball and spent the last 14 years at Pittsfield High. That career came to an abrupt end in late November, and Racicot says he did not get a good explanation why. "I feel like I'm cheated because I didn't get an opportunity to discuss this," Racicot said recently. "For somebody to come in and make a decision and just make a phone call the Friday before the season starts … "I never really got a reason other than: The administration wanted you gone, and we wanted to go in another direction." What Racicot did get, and what may have >> Read More |
BCC Holds Pinning Ceremony for Nursing Graduates | 08:00AM / Friday, January 24, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) held a traditional pinning ceremony for 40 graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program on Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Robert Boland Theatre on the main campus. The wearing of the school pin symbolizes the right to serve others, signifying the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The ceremony is a nursing school tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The gold center of the pin features the college seal, including the words "To travel hopefully." Five graduates received >> Read More |
Over 70 Percent of Pittsfield Students Are in PovertyBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
05:00AM / Friday, January 24, 2025 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — More than 70 percent of Pittsfield Public School students are living in poverty, a situation that has led to the city's inclusion in "Group 11," which provides additional resources but highlights a troubling reality. On Wednesday, during the district's first budget workshop for fiscal year 2026 at Reid Middle School, it was announced that Pittsfield Public Schools expects a $4.4 million increase over FY25, totaling more than $68 million. This 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 >> Read More |
Central Berkshire Eyes 4.13% Increase for FY26By Sabrina Damms, iBerkshires Staff
05:01AM / Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | |
DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School District is anticipating a 4.13 percent increase to its gross initial budget for fiscal 2026, translating to an increase of $1,473,826. This year's gross budget was $35,679,791, and next year's is forecast at $37,153,617. Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis emphasized that these initial projections may change because there are still a lot of unknowns surrounding it, such as Chapter 70 funding and insurance rates. The budget was developed through a collaborative process involving principals, teachers, the union, and the Finance Subcommittee, Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis >> Read More |
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