Superintendent Joseph Curtis counts the votes for a middle school restructure plan on Monday.

Committee member Sarah Muil goes over a presentation on Monday for a gradual restructuring.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Middle School Restructuring Committee recommends a phased approach for a model that creates a districtwide Grade 5-6 school and a Grade 7-8 school and provides universal prekindergarten by the 2026-27 school year.

This phased approach could mean keeping Grade 5 in the elementary schools next school year, Grade 6 at one school, and combining 7 and 8 at another.

After eight meetings and about 16 hours of prep work, the committee on Monday voted for this path with gradual implementation beginning in 2026. It was supported 17-4 and will go to the School Committee next week.

"You're having discussions about possibly dismantling structures that have been in existence for, in some cases, half a century," Superintendent Joseph Curtis told the group at the beginning of the meeting.

The phased approach is said to allow "careful implementation" and gives time to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments.  

"The gradual restructuring of Grades 5-6 and 7-8 provides a strategic opportunity to modernize the learning environment. By integrating co-teaching, project-based learning, and nontraditional schedules, we can create a more dynamic and responsive educational system," committee member Sarah Muil said.  

"Additionally, early exposure to credit-bearing and career-oriented coursework will not only help students see the relevance of their education but will also better prepare them for the transition into high school."

The recommendation includes creating new opportunities for Grades 7 and 8 to take credit-bearing courses that are designed to offer hands-on learning, skill-building, and a deeper exploration of career paths. It also incorporates early college and career learning experiences into the middle school curriculum so that students and families can make informed decisions about high school and post-secondary pathways.

Running parallel to the committee's efforts is a larger districtwide study that includes grade spans, educational models, and facilities. The favored alternative grade alignment is divided by: Universal PK-1, 2-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-SP.

There is also the prospect of a new build at Crosby Elementary School that combines with Conte Community School. The project was accepted into the Massachusetts School Building Authority's queue and the City Council will vote on a feasibility study by Halloween.

Curtis clarified that the district could still be restructured without a new building.

He stressed the importance of the collaborative process that has led to this decision.

"As we've done in all meetings, respecting everyone's voice is incredibly important," he said. "And we want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to express their opinions."

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