Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church Appoints New Reverend

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in Pittsfield welcomed the Rev. Dr. Nina Ranadive Pooley as the parish's new rector. 
 
She assumes her leadership role this month.
 
The Rev. Dr. Pooley has a BA in Religion and a BA in Psychology from The College of William and Mary and a Master of Education from the University of Virginia. She was formed for ordained ministry at The School of Theology, University of the South and was awarded the M.Div. in 2004. After ordination to the priesthood, she served for two
years as Associate Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd, Lookout Mt., Tenn. 
 
After Good Shepherd, Pooley served as Associate Chaplain at St. Paul's School, in Lutherville, Md. for a year (2006-2007).
 
In 2007 Nina was called to be Rector of St. Bartholomew's, Yarmouth, Maine and provided that congregation with 13 years of faithful leadership. During her service in Yarmouth, she began work on a D.Min. at The School of Theology in 2009 and was awarded the degree in 2014.
 
Upon accepting the call of the parish's Search Committee and Vestry, Rev. Pooley wrote:
 
"There are so many reasons I feel St. Stephen's is a good fit for me. But at the top of the list are your commitment to social justice, your active investment in local mission and ministry, and your genuinely inclusive welcome of all of God's people."
 
At the announcement of Rev. Pooley's selection, parish Co-Wardens Tom Dillon and Erin Sullivan shared with the church:
 
"We are excited to have Nina guide us on the next part of our journey as a congregation. She has energy, vision, compassion, and an empathic way of relating to others."
 
Pooley, her husband Ken, adult daughters, Mackenzie and Channing, dog Finn, and a few cats will live in Hinsdale.

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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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