Pittsfield School Committee Vetting Finalists for Deputy Post

By Joe DurwinPittsfield Correspondent
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield School Committee voted Wednesday to postpone a scheduled hiring decision for deputy superintendent to May 30 in order to vet two finalists for the job.

An additional two candidates will be interviewed on June 13 for the position of interim superintendent, an opening created by the unsuccessful search for a permanent superintendent of schools conducted over the past few months.

Following interviews Wednesday with three candidates to replace outgoing Deputy Superintendent of Schools Barbara Malkas, the committee voted unanimously to advance two, N. Tracy Crowe and Katherine Scheigler.  The committee voted 5 to 2 not to advance a third candidate, Lynne Christensen, with only Daniel Elias and Terry Kinnas supporting her continued candidacy.

Malkas was named the superintendent of the Webster School District in April. She begins her new post on July.

Crowe currently works as an assistant principal at a high school in Marblehead.

"I believe she does have the ability to grow into the position," said Katherine Yon, "She seemed very able and willing to take on challenges."

Scheigler is employed as director of educational services of the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District.

"Her resume and credentials are fantastic," said Chairman Alfred E. "Alf" Barbalunga.


Members of the committee will undertake reference checks, site visits, and other data-gathering prior to taking a final vote to offer the position to one at its next meeting in one week.

"I think reference checks are critical," said Superintendent Howard J. "Jake" Eberwein, urging initiative on the part of committee members to expedite the necessary due diligence in time for the committee's meeting next week. Eberwein's last day June 30.

The committee voted to invite two former local school administrators to interview for the position of interim superintendent at its June 13 meeting. Basan Nembirkow recently served as interim superintendent
for Lenox schools, and Gordon Noseworthy is a former assistant principal of Taconic High School.

Both candidates were identified with assistance from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.

"I've looked through both packets, I've reached out to a number of people who've worked with both individuals, I've heard all good things," Barbalunga told the committee.

Also at its May 30 meeting, the committee will go over a presentation of its budget for the next year, which it will present to the City Council on June 14.

Tags: superintendent,   vacancy,   

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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