Why are you running for School Committee?

I believe our kids deserve a safe school, supported teachers, and real transparency from leadership. As a parent and community advocate, I’d see where we can do better, and I want to bring integrity and accountability back to our schools.

What is your relevant experience?

From a parent's perspective, I see firsthand that our schools are underfunded and our teachers are fighting for fair contracts.

As someone who works in procurement, I understand that every dollar counts. Too much money is tied up in contracts and overhead when it should be reaching our students.

I want to use my professional expertise to review non-classroom expenses, consultant contracts, and vendor spending to ensure that our resources are directed where they matter most — in the classroom, supporting our kids and teachers.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

The biggest issue facing Pittsfield Public Schools is the lack of transparency.

Parents, staff, and the community deserve a crystal-clear picture of what's happening in our schools — from policy updates and curriculum changes to how our budget is being spent.

Transparency builds trust, and trust builds progress. If elected, I will work to ensure open communication, accessible information, and honest dialogue at every level. Our schools should operate with honesty, accountability, and respect — because that's what our students and staff deserve.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

At first, I was hesitant — as a parent, you naturally worry about logistics and how changes will affect your family, especially if you have multiple children in different schools. But after listening to Sarah Muil and Heather McNeice explain the reasoning and planning behind this initiative, my concerns were eased.

Our students are struggling, and this model has proven successful in other districts. I believe Pittsfield can make it work — as long as we carefully plan for transportation, staffing, and transitional support. Middle school is a critical time for students, and this restructuring could help provide the stability and additional support they need to succeed.

Have you served on the School Committee or on a city board or commission in the past?

No.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Independent, but I don't believe political affiliation should play a role in public education.

School Committee members are elected to serve all students, families, and staff — regardless of political party. My focus is on transparency, accountability, and making decisions that benefit our children, not partisan interests.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

If elected, I want families and staff to feel comfortable coming to meetings and speaking openly about their concerns and ideas. Everyone should know they are safe to reach out and that their voice matters. Open communication builds trust, and when we come together as a community, we can make Pittsfield schools truly incredible.

Why are you running for the School Committee?

I grew up in this community and have raised my children here. I want to do more to support the children and families in Pittsfield and feel that, combined with my background in education, I could contribute to the School Committee in a meaningful way.

Being a part of the Restructuring Committee was an eye-opening experience with other family members, educators, staff, school committee members, and admin staff. We collaborated and had productive conversations and moved toward actionable steps in what we felt would be improving the experiences and outcomes for students and families. We worked really hard to consider all aspects of any changes that could occur, and it felt really positive. So I decided I wanted to continue to be a part of the forward progress of one of the ways to improve the district.

What is your relevant experience?

I have been an educator and leader in early childhood for over 30 years in Berkshire County and have built relationships with many people in the school districts when sharing students. I am a mother of 4 children who have all had varying relationships with the PPS district, including my step-son with special rights, who had an IEP to support his needs.

I have served on boards and committees in other spaces in Berkshire County, specifically relating to the needs of children, families, and the community. I have built many relationships with families over the years as an educator and understand this intimately.

I am also educated with a Master's in Educational Leadership and Policy.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

This takes a larger conversation with the administration, who is working to fill all open positions, train and mentor staff in place, and settle into the school year. I hope to hear more about what we will be addressing as far as any other staffing needs, and hearing from families about their concerns, as the new school year will be well underway.

PPS is recovering from a difficult year, and we still need to make sure the families, children, educators, and staff feel supported moving forward. I would like to look at what’s working and why, and how we can address what isn’t by focusing on the strengths of the district.

There are too many families who leave the district in Middle School and don’t end up returning to our district. Hopefully, with the plans for restructuring and the shift in curriculum and focus on new graduation goals, we can build back the trust with families and keep the children in our district. This would certainly help boost our operating budget as well.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

Yes, as a member of the Restructuring Committee, I strongly agree with the changes we recommended. I also agree that there is ample space to rebuild a larger school campus to replace both Conte and Crosby. As they are less than a mile in proximity to each other, it feels ok to merge them on the site at Crosby.

Have you served on a city or school board or commission in the past?

I have served on the Restructuring Committee and on a hiring committee for the assistant superintendent.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Democrat

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

I will make myself available by email and a dedicated phone number for city business, with specific operating hours that hopefully can meet the needs of families and staff. If other ways of communicating in person or with translation are needed, I would be happy to accommodate this as best I can.

Why are you running for re-election to the School Committee?

I still love being involved, and there are a number of issues I want to see through.

What is your relevant experience?

I have served 28 years on the School Committee, 22 as its vice chair, involved with many community endeavors. Worked with special needs Individuals, long-time coach of well over 100 athletic teams ranging from youth leagues through college, and banking experience.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

These are a few:
Transition to normal and build trust.
Teacher retention
Student behaviors
Mental health needs
Closing the achievement gap with low-income and minorities.
Replacing MCAS.
Stability in leadership amongst administrators.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

Yes on the new school. Crosby was built in 1974, Conte in 1962. Very few improvements or upgrades have occurred; it is long overdue. Two schools, independent of each other on the same campus that share some structural spaces.

Yes, on middle school restructuring, as long as it is done correctly. Many legitimate concerns remain and will need to be addressed, but the positive possibilities are numerous. A few are the following:
Specialized classes meeting the needs of our high flyers and those who need assistance. Vocational, life skills, pathways into High School. Ability to address longstanding behavioral issues while creating equity for all.

Have you served on a city board or commission in the past?

Yes, 28 years on the School Committee.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Registered independent.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

By continuing to be very visible and accessible.

Why are you running for School Committee?

I am running for School Committee because there is much work to be done. We need a committee of members who are dedicated to rebuilding trust and morale within the school department and the community. I’d like to think I could be of some help in that capacity.

In addition, my experience on the committee should be a great help in navigating through policies and procedures, especially with so many new members. I am also very excited about the prospect of building a new school and restructuring the middle schools. It is very exciting to think that we will have new curriculum, especially in the middle schools, which should serve these learners much better.

These initiatives should also help with school choice. I would hope we could get the community excited about the new school and the restructuring so that they will certainly come and see what we have to offer.

What is your relevant experience?

I taught for my entire career in the PPS— 10 years at the middle school level and the rest at Pittsfield High. Note also my experience on the School Committee: 12 years, eight as chair. After I retired, I also worked for Project Reconnect, which was operated under the auspices of Berkshire Community Action Council. Our clients came with a variety of issues, such as housing, employment, resume writing, and education. We worked closely with the Adult Learning Center as well.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

Since I've already mentioned school choice, I will say something about ways in which we could do better in that area. You will see that some of these issues overlap. For instance, it seems to me that many people have a negative perception of the school system. What we might do is make more of a personal connection with those families that are thinking of leaving. We could invite them to come to the school and visit the classes they would be opting out of. Many people are very surprised by what they see. Even if they don't change their minds, we could ask them for an anonymous written reaction to the school or, more specifically, why they are leaving.

There are some things we can do with teachers who leave us as well. We could get them to sit down with us, talk with us, and let us know what is going on. I did hear Ann Marie Carpenter, personnel director, saying that she was going to make sure she touched base one-to-one, face-to-face, with the teachers who might be struggling or simply have questions about how to secure their license. Again, I firmly believe that making a personal connection is very powerful.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

Absolutely! We must continue to move forward, and Crosby is definitely a school in need. As I indicated before, a new school should certainly attract more families. As with the middle school, it seems as if we have the perfect opportunity with these sorts of "blank slates" to be innovative with curriculum, and perhaps create pathways for the younger students to make their education more meaningful. And the new surroundings at Crosby should say to all of them that the adults in this community really care about you and your education. What better message is there than that?

Have you served on the School Committee or on a city board or commission in the past?

Yes. In addition to my work on the School Committee, I also serve on the Youth Council of MassHire's Berkshire Workforce Board. The Youth Council is under the direction of Heather Williams. The Youth Council works with young people throughout the county. Youth also have the opportunity to access other services through the Berkshire Workforce Board.

What political party are you affiliated with?

N/A

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

Phone or text: 413-329-3275

Email: klyon1105@aol.com

Why are you running for the School Committee?

I am running for the school committee to give a voice to the students, teachers, and administrators of the district and to give back to my community. I suffered a major brain injury in 2023, and as a result, I still face challenges, yet these challenges have made me resilient and appreciative. I am very thankful for my life and for my public schooling. I want the other students of the district to have that same appreciation, because we genuinely are lucky to have a place to go to during the day to learn and grow as youth and as a community.

What is your relevant experience?

I am a student at Pittsfield High School and started berkshireweather.com.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

The biggest issue facing the Pittsfield Public Schools is a lack of student engagement. I believe we should listen to the students about why they are absent or do not remain meaningfully engaged at school. I have heard some are concerned for safety, and others just don't like their classes. I want to find out how we can make school feel like a safe place with classes that excite students to come in and learn, and to give the teachers the needed tools to help students succeed.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

I am in support of these initiatives because I know the people behind them had meaningful discussions about their ideas. I believe these people have put their best effort into helping our district, and the least I can do is look optimistically, because if we go in positive, the outcome is likely to be positive, too.

Have you served on the School Committee or on a city board or commission in the past?

No.

What political party are you affiliated with?

Unenrolled.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

I hope to email with district families and staff and look forward to all ideas, compliments, and criticisms. Only by listening will I be able to grow and come to better understand the needs facing our district.

Why are you running for School Committee?

I believe that the School Committee should play a more active role in setting direction for the Pittsfield Public Schools. It is important that someone who has been working in the schools and is familiar with the issues that our district faces has a seat at the table.

What is your relevant experience?

I have 45 years of experience as an educator, from special education paraprofessional to adjunct professor of education. I have taught half a dozen subjects, served as a department chair, professional development coordinator, and assistant principal, and retired after 10 years as a building principal (including grades K-12 and an alternate school). Since "retiring," I have been both a long-term substitute and a daily substitute in three of Pittsfield's four secondary schools — so I am thoroughly familiar with the strengths and shortcomings of our district, and prepared to deal with the challenges we face.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

The list of major issues facing PPS is a long one, but even acknowledging them will be a step forward. Once the new School Committee takes office, their first task will be to agree on how to prioritize these:

• conduct the search for a permanent superintendent:
  
  
• address the many shortcomings of our Human Resources practices, particularly those that undermine retention


• guide the development of graduation requirements to replace MCAS


• finalize a contract with the AFT, who represent paraprofessionals & support staff


• identify and address the root cause of enrollment attrition


• create an "8B" cohort to ensure that students are ready for high school 


• end Covid-era measures such as the 50/40-for-free grading model, and enforce toothless policies that — at least on paper — hold students accountable for their own attendance and behavior


• bring the use of substitute teachers into the modern era


• decide whether, and when, to implement grades restructuring 


• hold district administration accountable for greater transparency

The "how" involves bringing specific constructive proposals to the table, developing them in committees and in consultation with the interim superintendent and her team, and presenting them in an open forum for consideration and public debate.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

These are really two questions. Regarding the new construction: absolutely, I am in favor of it. May I also add that many of our other buildings have deferred maintenance issues that need to be addressed.

Although I am keeping an open mind, I am not convinced that we are ready to implement restructuring for the 2026-27 school year. Among the variables that I would like to revisit are the projected cost of busing, how this will affect teacher assignments, and whether adoption of this plan is likely to result in an increased exodus of students via school choice. I do want to emphasize that the practical deadline for deciding to implement in August 2026 is fast approaching.

Have you served on the School Committee or on a city board or commission in the past?

My sole municipal experience occurred during the pandemic, when I served as chair of Barrow, Alaska's COVID Committee.

What political party are you affiliated with?

None.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

At least for the moment, the best way to reach me directly is via email: gbuerger@aol.com. I hope that the new secretary of the School Committee will continue the excellent work that Mr. Garrity has been doing, through regular and highly informative email summaries.

Why are you running for the School Committee?

I'm running because I have 28 years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to my community. I was born here, went to school here, raised my children here, and plan to retire here. I have always loved Pittsfield and believed in its potential, and it breaks my heart to see our schools struggling. I want to improve school culture and climate, ensure that all students and staff have the resources they need, and bring transparency and thoughtful long-term planning to the district. My experience in the classroom and in leadership roles gives me a practical understanding of what works — and what doesn't — so I can make informed decisions that truly benefit students and staff.

At the heart of it, I'm motivated by my belief in the potential of every student and my desire to support a system where both students and teachers can thrive.

What is your relevant experience?

I spent 22 years of my teaching career at Taconic High School. It was never just a job — it was a vocation. I truly loved working for Pittsfield Public Schools. Transitioning to Lenox Public Schools has broadened my perspective, strengthened my teaching craft, and deepened my understanding of my role as a school leader. Being a new teacher later in life is challenging, but as my son often says, 'If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.' This move also gives me the opportunity to run for school committee and serve Pittsfield in a different capacity, supporting students and staff in meaningful ways.

My years as a teacher have shown me how district-level decisions directly impact students and staff. I understand the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, balancing resources and priorities, and maintaining clear communication. That experience gives me the insight and perspective to make decisions that truly strengthen our schools and community.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

Pittsfield schools face real challenges, including high student needs, limited staffing, and significant turnover. Many of our students come to school carrying the weight of poverty and trauma, which makes it essential to provide strong supports that prepare them to learn. At the same time, we must retain and support excellent teachers and staff, prioritizing funding for those who have the greatest direct impact on students. Students thrive when schools are safe, welcoming, and consistent. Teachers thrive when they have the resources and support to meet their students' needs.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

I see both potential benefits and challenges in the proposal to split our middle schools into 5–6 and 7–8 schools, which is why it is such a heavily debated topic. On one hand, separating grades could allow for more developmentally appropriate instruction and closer support for students at each stage. On the other hand, it would create an additional school transition and could bring logistical and cost challenges. It would also separate staff members who have worked closely together for years and rely on one another for the support needed in this extremely demanding profession.

I will fully support this proposal if it clearly provides more social, emotional, and academic support at each grade level and shows evidence that it reduces the practice of social promotion. I am carefully considering the impacts on students, families, and staff before taking a final position.

Have you served on the School Committee or on a city board or commission in the past?

No, I have not.

What political party are you affiliated with?

I am registered as Independent, but most often lean toward the Democratic party

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

If elected, I will keep families and staff informed and involved through regular updates, meetings, informal gatherings, and multiple communication channels. Listening to their perspectives and sharing clear, timely information will be a priority.

Why are you running for the School Committee?

I am running for the School Committee again because I have a lifelong passion for the ideals written in the current district mission. I want to see those words come alive in our schools: partnering with everyone to empower all students to thrive and build a more equitable and just world. Schooling is the root system of a just and peaceful world. The world will become what we teach.

What is your relevant experience?

All my experiences are relevant to who I am now. If life is a box of chocolates, I wanted to taste them all: elementary and middle school teacher and principal, public, private, and charter school experiences, teaching in El Salvador and Saudi Arabia, university professor, early childhood director, state departments of education consultant, reading clinic supervisor, and leadership coach.

I am a parent whose daughter's mental health challenges started in middle school. I am a grandparent. My adult grandsons have taught me to trust them but be available to support their dreams.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

The biggest issue facing our schools is the outdated school culture and the "that's what we've always done" resistance to change. I will work to address this by providing examples of schools across America that are creating learner-centered environments where students and teachers are empowered to thrive in partnership with families and their communities.

As a committee member, my role is to support the superintendent and her leadership teams as they change the school culture. I will be one of the many "guides-on-the-side," soliciting feedback and visiting schools to monitor progress.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

Yes, I support change for middle grades. As a member of the middle school restructuring committee, I was disappointed that the group didn't have a better representation from those most affected by this decision, especially students and parents from diverse backgrounds. The superintendent indicated that there will be a wider representation in this next stage of the project.

I didn't initially agree to the grade-level changes. The troublesome culture in the middle schools could have been addressed with the current grade structure. I know because I did it as a middle school principal. The state highlighted our school, with 90 percent of the students considered "at-risk," as a "turnaround" model. Models work if everyone works the model. Students, staff, families, and many community members worked together to make it happen. The administrators above me did not. They dismantled our success, threatened by the equitable and empowering culture we created.

Sometimes it takes a major shake-up, like changing the grade configurations or building new schools, to push us out of our comfort zones. I am excited to see the possibilities that emerge from these changes. As Maya Angelou reminded us: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better." Together, we can do better!

Have you served on the School Committee or on a city board or commission in the past?

I served on the School Committee from 2022 to 2024.

What political party are you affiliated with?

This is a nonpartisan position.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

I would change the policy regarding school committee members visiting the schools so members are encouraged, not discouraged, from getting direct knowledge of what's happening in our schools. One of the committee's primary responsibilities is to select and support the superintendent. We need to be in the schools regularly, listening and collecting information as an essential part of that support.

I have been immersed in school culture all my life, so communicating with families and staff happens naturally for me. These partnerships are essential for student success. The challenge is convincing students, staff, and families that their voices matter and need to be heard.

Why are you running for School Committee?

I lived in Lenox for years and asked a School Committee member years ago why so many Pittsfield students were opting out to Lenox. I asked if they did exit interviews and was told yes. When I asked what happened to the data, I wasn't given an answer. The straw that broke the camel's back was when the $155,000 report was promised to be made public and wasn't. The taxpayers were blindsided.

What is your relevant experience?

I have always been an advocate for different causes. I am a 79 graduate of PHS and worked at the Pittsfield Gazette for years for the late Jonathan Levine. In the 1980s I was a member of the Junior League of Berkshire County and was on the board of directors. I will listen to the students, parents, and teachers.

What is the biggest issue or issues facing the Pittsfield Public Schools? If elected, how will you work to address it?

Pittsfield is losing between $3 million to $4 million a year due to students opting out. Trust needs to be restored. The data must be gone through and dealt with. Measured feedback must be shown.

The Pittsfield Public Schools have plans for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School into one building, and restructuring of elementary and middle grade levels. Are you in support of these initiatives?

The School Committee back in 2008 asked for a rebuild. It was denied by the state. Yes, I am in support of combining both schools.

Have you served on the School Committee or on a city board or commission in the past?

I have never served on the School Committee or city board. I will bring a fresh voice and accountability.

What political party are you affiliated with?

I am an independent. I will be unbiased to any political party and do what is best for the students.

If elected, how will you maintain communication with district families and staff?

To restore trust, I will hold regular community forums for parents and teachers, have quarterly meetings, student panels, and parent feedback sessions. Decisions will be made in the open and not behind closed doors.