Outgoing Mayor Linda Tyer speaks about her time with the committee in this screenshot from PCTV.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Departing members were thanked for their service to local education during the last School Committee meeting of the term. Alison McGee, Vicky Smith, and Mark Brazeau did not seek re-election and will turn their seats over in the new year.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis said they have been strong advocates for children and families, acting as much more than overseers.

"Your unwavering commitment to the betterment of our schools during what we all agree has been an unprecedented time in education has made a lasting impact on the Pittsfield Public Schools. Collaborating with my superintendent peers statewide, I have consistently admired the exceptional courage of this committee," he said.

"You have not just provided encouragement but have consistently supported our district leadership in thoroughly exploring and taking action in relation to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the Pittsfield Public Schools. You have initiated public discussions and followed through on topics like school safety and school resource officers. You have been actively engaged in the formation of our new mission, vision, and core values, as well as pushed our central office to have a more rigorous and inclusive budgeting process. These are just a few examples of topics and tasks that some elected officials tend to shy away from. You have not hesitated."

Mayor Linda Tyer will also be handing over leadership, as she did not seek re-election.  

Curtis said that her counsel, accessibility, and consistent and constant support of the children of Pittsfield is "simply remarkable." He pointed out that Tyer started a conversation about a new building project with a small group of concerned community members, kickstarting the current restructuring study.

"You brought them to a table for a very challenging conversation and helped them bring them to the realization that the discussion needed to be so much more than just a new school building but an entire restructuring to better serve not only all students, but our students who face life's most challenging hurdles," he said.

Tyer said the district is an "amazing place" and that the city's two high school graduations are her favorite days of the year because it is a "summation of everything we do here and everything that happens in our schools."

"We have challenges for sure like every place does but we have amazing people."

She didn't anticipate enjoying her time on the committee as much as she did and said it is a group of leaders who think carefully and thoughtfully about the district while respecting its professionals and educators.

"I'm always a bit mystified when we hear criticisms from our own community or from other places. I think it's because they don't have the knowledge that we have about the extraordinary work that's happening in every school building," Tyer said.

"It's been a privilege to be here and it's been a privilege to know all of you and especially all of you. On some of the hardest days, I've been in one of our schools and leave there feeling inspired and uplifted."

The district is grateful for McGee's educational expertise and guidance during public meetings and throughout individual conversations with district leaders, staff, and families, Curtis said.

"Your persistence in advocating for and supporting responsible systematic change within our district one step at a time exemplifies your expertise as an educator and your caring for the long-term well-being and success of our students and the entire educational community," he added.

McGee said being on the committee during and after the pandemic and during the equity audit were important experiences.

"I think both of those components allowed us as a committee and a district to take on challenges and problems and begin to work through the ‘now what?'s of it. Both of them also required us to look at negatives," she said.

"As I'm stepping away, I can't urge you all enough to not shy away from the negative data and feedback. I think it's information that and it's information that's honest."

She hopes that the School Committee continues the "increasingly collaborative and reflective" path it is starting to take and that the district continues to seek useful information.

"I think it's important for us to remember that our job isn't to be an expert on every topic that comes across the table for us but it's to find the experts support them and provide what is needed to make their expertise meaningful and impactful," McGee said.

Curtis admires Brazeau's advocacy and commitment to prioritizing mental health within schools, describing it as "nothing short of exemplary."

"Your efforts have heightened awareness, initiated crucial conversations, and advocated for the allocation of federal grant funds that reflect a deep understanding of the critical role mental health plays and the overall success and happiness of the students within the Pittsfield Public Schools," he said.

Brazeau said he has had some great conversations and collaborative efforts throughout his term.  He recognized that there is a ton of work to be done but is confident that the new committee will be able to do it.

"My passion for mental health in our schools all started before the pandemic but increasingly grew because of the conversations happening with students during that pandemic," he explained.

"Then noting that not only during the pandemic but after the pandemic it's needed even more. It's needed more and more and more."

The superintendent said he is grateful for every conservation he and Smith have had, whether it is in person or over email.

"Each time you have pushed me to question and challenge my thinking, urging me to never settle," he said. "I truly appreciate all that you've contributed and will continue to contribute for the well-being of the children and families of Pittsfield."

Smith was unable to attend this meeting but shared her sentiments at the prior meeting, highlighting the positives of colleagues and what she has learned over the last two years.

"I appreciate all that I've learned from this experience and from the other committee members I have served with," she said.

In the next term, incumbents Sara Hathaway, William Cameron and Daniel Elias, and newcomers William Garrity Jr., Dominick Sacco and Diana Belair will make up the committee.

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