The School Committee made its decision Wednesday night for the new deputy superintendent.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee appointed Morningside Community School Principal Joseph Curtis as the new deputy superintendent.

 

Curtis was among three interviewed as finalists for the position. The others were Sophia Redman-Jones, director of special services in Harvey, Ill., public schools, and Taconic High School Principal Jonathan Vosburgh.

 

The School Committee had high praise for all the candidates but Curtis' background stood out as stronger.

 

"In the end, the district needed a person fully licensed for the position, experienced as a teacher and as an administrator, can work with a variety of people, deeply knowledgeable about educational law, initiatives and regulations in the commonwealth," said Superintendent Jason McCandless, who recommended Curtis be the choice because of his knowledge of many aspects of education.

 

Curtis has been employed with the district for more than 20 years. He started as a third-grade teacher at Conte Community School in 1994. In 1998, he moved to Morningside. He moved up to be the district technology professional development coordinator in 2001, vice principal in 2006 and principal in 2007.

 

Curtis received high praise for his work at Morningside.

 

"He put a structure within it and gave the teachers to teach their craft as they see fit," said School Committee member Pamela Farron.

 

Curtis replaces N. Tracey Crowe, who left to take a job as superintendent in Webster.

 

Chairwoman Katherine Yon said this appointment is part of McCandless "putting together a team." The School Committee just recently signed McCandless to a six-year contract extension, taking him through 2020.

 

She added that she was glad two internal candidates made it to the final three.

 

"We had three really strong candidates emerge from the field," she said. "It is always important for us to know we are growing leaders."

 

McCandless said while Vosburgh and Redman may not have gotten the position, he hopes they'll both work in the district in the future. Vosburgh will continue his role as Taconic's principal.

 

"Only one candidate was offered the position. But I think we will hear more from the other two candidates in the future," McCandless said.

 

Curtis will be moving into the position, but not until the administrative work at Morningside is secured.

 

"The disruption to Morningside is likely to be immense," McCandless said. "We'll begin that process immediately."