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Superintendent Jake McCandless, seen at Pittsfield High's graduation ceremonies this past spring, says he will stay in the district to see his third child graduate from the schools.

McCandless Staying on as Pittsfield Superintendent of Schools

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The local radio is reporting that Superintendent Jason "Jake" McCandless will be staying in Pittsfield. 
 
Mayor Linda Tyer, while appearing on Live 95.9's "Slater and Marjo in the Morning" on Friday, said the superintendent isn't leaving the area. 
 
McCandless last week had confirmed that he was a finalist for the superintendent's position of the Silver Lake Regional School District in Kingston, just north of Plymouth. He told iBerkshires that "It simply feels in my gut like it is a good time to make a change." 
 
He had also indicated to The Berkshire Eagle that he had applied for other openings as well. Several postings were listed on the Massachusetts Association of School Committees at that time, including Silver Lake. 
 
McCandless said if not selected he and his family will re-evaluate their options. He said remaining in Pittsfield is not out of the question.
 
"If this opportunity does not work out, our family will evaluate our options and see," he said last week. "Staying here and continuing to serve is an excellent scenario, so we will see."
 
He'd been offered a six-year contract with the Pittsfield Public Schools two years into his first contract. 
 
The superintendent told Live 95.9 that he had interviewed for three posts and spent a great deal of time reflecting and speaking with people, especially his family.
 
"In the end, in spite of visiting three wonderful places, we decided that the Berkshires is home, Pittsfield is home and this is where I need and want to be right now," he told the radio station. "I feel very fortunate to serve here and and look forward to seeing our third child graduate from the Pittsfield Public Schools, and to keep working in a remarkable community."

Tags: Pittsfield Public Schools,   superintendent,   

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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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