PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to begin the transition back to hybrid/in-person education immediately.  

 

Career and vocational students Grades 10-12 will return to classrooms on Monday; certain special education classes including Stearns first and second grade inclusions begin Monday, Feb. 8, and all other students return no sooner than the week of Feb. 22 "or as soon as realistically possible."

 

The schools began the year in full remote learning and then modified to partial in-person by mid-fall. 

 

But the dramatic increases in COVID-19 cases within the city in November caused the district to suspend all in-person learning until at least December. That was extended through the holiday season as cases continued to rise. 

 

All students attending the Pittsfield Public Schools were expected to remain in all-remote learning until health metric data trends showed a decrease in local COVID-19 cases over a two-week period that resulted in a percent positivity rate of 3 percent or less. This decision, guided by local health metrics and data and tied to the community's percent positivity rate, was made with an abundance of caution for the health, safety, and well being of our students, staff, and community.

 

However, recent metrics show a downward trend in cases and positivity. As of Jan. 26, the city had a 4.91 percent average rate and is considered in the "yellow" category after some weeks in the red.  

 

"While now trending favorably, the 3 percent positivity rate data point earmarked as the point in which students and staff would transition back to in-person learning, has yet to be attained," wrote interim Superintendent Joseph Curtis in a press release announcing the vote. 

 

However, he said, the interruptions of in-person learning also takes its toll on the social and emotional well-being of all stakeholders. The Pittsfield Public Schools, as well as every school district in the country, are attempting to navigate this balancing act with significant feedback coming from stakeholders both for and in opposition of an immediate return to in-person education.  

 

Taking into consideration Pittsfield's distinct characteristics, the potential risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential damage associated with the educational, social, and emotional well-being of youngsters, Curtis wrote, the Pittsfield Public Schools anticipate a safe return to an in-person education model.

 

The School Committee will review the transition plan at its Feb. 10 meeting.