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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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Weekend Outlook: Carnival & Free Fishing Weekend

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including free fishing this weekend courtesy of the state, First Fridays, carnival, and more.

Editor's Pick

Lego Flag Build
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.

Help the library build a giant Lego American flag to be showcased at the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. All ages are welcome to participate and there will be snacks included.

More information here.

First Fridays

First Friday at Five
Downtown Pittsfield
Time: 5 p.m.

Downtown Pittsfield will be alive with activities, including a maker's market and family fun zone on North Street, live music at Persip Park, a dance zone at Dunham Mall, an art walk, and more. 

More information here.

North Adams First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Music, art, and games will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Celebrate Pride!" 

There will be games, art, special events, and downtown and businesses will have extended hours.

More information here.

Multiple Days

Dalton Carnival
June 3 through 7
Behind the American Legion on Route 9

Enjoy rides, games, food and more. Fireworks will be held Friday and Saturday at dusk.

More information here.

Friday

Switch and Snacks: Teen Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Nintendo Switch at the library will be available to play a variety of games for kids to enjoy with free snacks.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Bring a craft you have been working on and join others to socialize.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Saturday 

National Trails Day

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