Superintendent Joseph Curtis, seen at last year's Taconic graduation, will step down at the end of the school year.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After 30 years with the district, Superintendent Joseph Curtis has decided to step down in June.

"Serving as your superintendent has been the honor of a lifetime," he said.

"Pittsfield Public Schools and the City of Pittsfield will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this remarkable journey. I will carry this time in my life very close to my heart."

Curtis announced Wednesday he will step down from his position effective June 30. His comments came at the tail end of a three-hour School Committee meeting during the superintendent's report. 

He read an emotional message that explained his decision is "The right decision for me, for the district, and the community I care deeply about."

"It is with a profound mix of emotion and gratitude that I share my decision to step down as superintendent of the Pittsfield Public Schools effective June 30, 2025," he said.

"For those who know me, you understand that every decision I've made throughout my career has been guided by one unwavering principle: Doing what I believe is in the best interest of our students. Their well-being, growth, and success have always been at the center of my work, my heart, and my soul."

His tenure has been clouded in recent months over investigations into several administrators at Pittsfield High School, and the arrest of one on drug trafficking charges. The School Committee has contracted with an independent investigator to looks at policies and procedures at the high school. 

Curtis emphasized that he has not been asked to step down.

"This is a choice that I am making independently because I firmly believe it is the right time, the right decision for me, for the district and the community I deeply care about."

He noted that his career with the district began at Conte Community School more than 30 years ago.

"When I walked into my first classroom at Conte Community School in 1994 I could have never imagined the incredible path ahead. One filled with opportunities, challenges, and countless moments of celebration. The thousands of students, families, and staff members I have had the privilege of working with have profoundly shaped my life in ways that words cannot express," he said.

"Through every interaction, challenge, and success, I have gained invaluable lessons, perspectives, and connections that have left a lasting impact on me as a professional but most importantly as a human. Simply put, I grew into an adult, professional, and, most importantly, a father, all during my time with the Pittsfield Public Schools."

Curtis has previously worked as a teacher, technology professional and specialist, community coordinator, principal, and deputy superintendent.

"I have been blessed to work alongside extraordinary educators, staff, and community members who share a deep commitment to our students," he said.

"Together we have navigated unimaginable difficulties and celebrated milestones that many thought were not possible. These shared experiences have been both humbling and fulfilling beyond any measure."

He said that in the coming months, his priority will be to ensure a seamless transition to its next leader.

"I remain and continue to remain deeply committed to advancing our shared goals stated in our strategic plan, actively pursuing the possibility of a new school for the west side, supporting the district restructuring process, as directed by the PPS school committee, and most importantly, remaining strongly dedicated to the essential daily work that drives our mission."

At the beginning of his remarks, Curtis joked that he was going to display a photo of himself in April of 2021 but did not after he saw how different he looked.

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