Michael Cassin, leading a series of four lectures, at the Clark

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Michael Cassin, Curator of Education at the Sterling and Francine Clark Institute in Williamstown, MA, is leading a series of four lectures entitled Art and The Muses. The series, sponsored by The Clark, in association with the Osher Institute of Lifetime Learning(OLLI), will be held on four consecutive Thursdays on March 6, 13 20, 27 from 1:00 pm to 2:30pm. at the Clark Institute.

The lectures will examine the various ways in which the visual arts inter-connect with history, astronomy, poetry, and the performing arts, with reference to paintings and sculpture from classical times to the 20th century. Works from the Clark’s collection and from museums elsewhere will be shown through slide presentations. After each of the lectures, participants are welcome to spend time in the galleries looking at some of the great works in the Clark’s collection ‘in the flesh’.

The lecture schedule is:

March 6- Art and History;

March 13- Art and Poetry; 

March 20- Art and Drama  

March 27 -Art and Music

The cost to OLLI members is $20 for the series or $5 per lecture. Non-members pay $30.00 for the series or $7.50 per lecture. For information on this program and to register, call the OLLI office at 413-236-2190 or visit www.BerkshireOLLI.org. You may pay at the door.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Extends Interim School Superintendent Contract

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips' employment has been extended to 2027

Last week, the School Committee approved an employment contract that runs through June 30, 2027.  Phillips was originally appointed to a one-year position that began on July 1 and runs through the end of the fiscal year in June 2026. 

"You didn't ask me simply to endure challenges or struggle to prove myself. Instead, you believe in me, you've given me the space to grow, the encouragement to stretch, and the expectation that I can truly soar," she said earlier in last Wednesday's meeting when addressing outgoing School Committee members. 

"You question, you poke, you prod, but not to tear anything down, but to make our work stronger, grounded in honesty, integrity, and hope. You've entrusted me with meaningful responsibility and welcomed me into the heart of this community. Serving you and leading our public schools has been, thus far, a joyful, renewing chapter in my life, and I want to thank you for this opportunity." 

Chair William Cameron reported that the extended contract includes a 3 percent cost-of-living increase in the second year and more specific guidelines for dismissal or disciplinary action. 

Phillips was selected out of two other applicants for the position in May. Former Superintendent Joseph Curtis retired at the end of the school year after more than 30 years with the district. 

The committee also approved an employment contract with Assistant Superintendent for CTE and Student Support Tammy Gage that runs through June 30, 2031. Cameron reported that there is an adjustment to the contract's first-year salary to account for new "substantive" responsibilities, and the last three years of the contract's pay are open to negotiation. 

The middle school restructuring, which was given the green light later that night, and the proposal to rebuild and consolidate Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on West Street, have been immediate action items in Phillips' tenure. 

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