image description — Katherine Yon has been chair since 2014.

Yon Will Continue to Chair Pittsfield School Committee

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
09:40AM / Wednesday, January 17, 2018Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Katherine Yon will continue to chair the Pittsfield School Committee.

During the re-organization meeting Wednesday, the committee voted Yon back to the leadership position. Yon has served as chair since 2014.

"We have such important work. At a time when public education is being assailed on many fronts, it is our duty to stand firm for the young people in our charge. All of our students have the right to a high-quality education," Yon said after accepting the nomination.

The former English teacher has been on the committee since 2010. She expressed confidence in her colleagues and staff in the schools that the district will be able to work through the city's current economic struggle.

"Yes these are difficult economic times and students are faced with incredible struggles. However, it is our responsibility to work through these issues and maintain the highest quality education standards," Yon said.

She'll remain with the same vice chairman as previous years as well. Daniel Elias was tapped to continue his work as the vice chairman by a unanimous vote.

The School Committee also welcomed William Cameron and Dennis Powell to the board. The two won election to fill the seats vacated by Pamela Farron and Anthony Reillo, both opted not to run for re-election. Yon and Elias both praised the new members.

"We are so fortunate to have two such well-respected members of our community," Yon said.

Cameron is no stranger to the district. He had previously served on the School Committee in 1992 and then as assistant superintendent for personnel. He left the district for superintendency jobs in Salem and then at the Central Berkshire Regional School District.

"I'm honored to be on the School Committee again," Cameron said.

Yon called Powell a "jack of all trades." The former culinary instructor and restaurant owner is active in many fronts in the community now, with his most known work being as the president of the local chapter of the NAACP.

"I especially admire his desire to get more young people involved in the community," Yon said.

Powell said serving on the School Committee has been a "dream of mine because it involves young people and the shaping of the future." He said education is critical for any society.

"I'm eager to get started. I know everyone on the school committee and have respect for everyone on the School Committee," Powell said.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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