Pittsfield Superintendent Leaving at School Year's End

By Larry KratkaBerkshire News Network
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield School Superintendent Howard "Jake" Eberwein announced on Tuesday that he would be stepping down from his job on June 30.

Eberwein told the Berkshire News Network that he has been employed with the Pittsfield Schools since 1995, became principal of Pittsfield High School in 2003 and superintendent of schools in 2008. The 48-year-old Eberwein cited family reasons for his decision and expects to remain fully invested in closing out his tenure in Pittsfield in the next six months, and has offered the School Committee and mayor any assistance that is requested to fill his position.

The change comes as both the School Committe and city saw a change in leaders. Alfred Barbalunga was elected as committee chairman on Monday night, replacing Kathleen Amuso who declined nomination. Mayor Daniel Bianchi, an ex officio member the committee, took office on Monday morning.

In a message to the Pittsfield schools community, Eberwein wrote:

I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from the position of superintendent of the Pittsfield Public Schools effective June 30, 2012.


I have been employed with the Pittsfield Schools since 1995 and I am grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I have been afforded. I am hopeful that my time and energies have yielded a positive investment that has resulted in the advancement of Pittsfield's children over the last two decades.

I can't tell you how proud I am of our district, our staff, and our students ... I have been truly blessed to work with and for each of you.

I expect to remain fully invested in closing out my tenure in Pittsfield given we have many important tasks that must be completed in the coming six months ... in fact, I expect to be running even a bit harder. I have also offered, to the School Committee and mayor, any assistance that is requested to facilitate the transition to a new school district leader.  

What's next? Still yet to be determined. First, is to reprioritize the work of being a dad. Second, is to find new ways to contribute to the work of public education across the commonwealth.

Tags: Pittsfield School Committee,   superintendent,   

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Pittsfield ConCom OKs Weed Treatment for Pontoosuc

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pontoosuc Lake will be treated for weeds with a contact herbicide on Thursday, June 17. 

Last week, the Conservation Commission OK'd a request for Diquat treatment on 53 acres of the lake.

"We have four non-native and invasive species, three of which we are controlling with the use of herbicides, and if we didn't do that control, the weeds would take over the lake and the shore," explained Lee Hauge, president of the Friends of Pontoosuc Lake and Lanesborough's harbormaster. 

"All the shorelines would be unusable for swimming and even fishing, and you'd only have the center half of the lake, where you could do any boating or swimming if you could get out there." 

Pittsfield and Lanesborough equally share the management of the lake and associated costs.

Hauge explained that underwater weeds were harvested for almost 20 years, and it was successful in making the lake accessible for swimming and boating, though over the years, he said, the process favored the propagation of Eurasian milfoil, which spreads by fragmentation. 

"And so the result of that 20 years of harvesting control was the lake being choked by Eurasian milfoil, and the native desirable weeds were choked out of being able to grow because of the proliferation of the milfoil," he said. 

The application is for 53 acres, and Pontoosuc will need to be treated again in August. This will require permission from the ConCom. 

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