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Superintendent Joseph Curtis counts the votes for a middle school restructure plan on Monday.

Committee Recommends Gradually Restructuring Pittsfield Middle Schools

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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Committee member Sarah Muil goes over a presentation on Monday for a gradual restructuring.

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Middle School Restructuring Committee recommends a phased approach for a model that creates a districtwide Grade 5-6 school and a Grade 7-8 school and provides universal prekindergarten by the 2026-27 school year.

This phased approach could mean keeping Grade 5 in the elementary schools next school year, Grade 6 at one school, and combining 7 and 8 at another.

After eight meetings and about 16 hours of prep work, the committee on Monday voted for this path with gradual implementation beginning in 2026. It was supported 17-4 and will go to the School Committee next week.

"You're having discussions about possibly dismantling structures that have been in existence for, in some cases, half a century," Superintendent Joseph Curtis told the group at the beginning of the meeting.

The phased approach is said to allow "careful implementation" and gives time to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments.  

"The gradual restructuring of Grades 5-6 and 7-8 provides a strategic opportunity to modernize the learning environment. By integrating co-teaching, project-based learning, and nontraditional schedules, we can create a more dynamic and responsive educational system," committee member Sarah Muil said.  

"Additionally, early exposure to credit-bearing and career-oriented coursework will not only help students see the relevance of their education but will also better prepare them for the transition into high school."


The recommendation includes creating new opportunities for Grades 7 and 8 to take credit-bearing courses that are designed to offer hands-on learning, skill-building, and a deeper exploration of career paths. It also incorporates early college and career learning experiences into the middle school curriculum so that students and families can make informed decisions about high school and post-secondary pathways.

Running parallel to the committee's efforts is a larger districtwide study that includes grade spans, educational models, and facilities. The favored alternative grade alignment is divided by: Universal PK-1, 2-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-SP.

There is also the prospect of a new build at Crosby Elementary School that combines with Conte Community School. The project was accepted into the Massachusetts School Building Authority's queue and the City Council will vote on a feasibility study by Halloween.

Curtis clarified that the district could still be restructured without a new building.

He stressed the importance of the collaborative process that has led to this decision.

"As we've done in all meetings, respecting everyone's voice is incredibly important," he said. "And we want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to express their opinions."

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Lanesborough Select Board Votes to Expand Tow List

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Select Board members want to even the playing field for towing.

In a 2-1 vote with Chair Michael Murphy in opposition, the board last week voted to allow businesses outside of Lanesborough to be on the towing list. Current towers will work with the town on a formal policy, as there is currently not one.

"Frankly, I think it's premature," Murphy said about the motion made by Select Board member Deborah Maynard.

Two years ago, Police Chief Robert Derksen was contacted by a local tow agency that wanted to be put on the rotation. He brought a sample policy to the board in March 2023 and returned with the same one at Monday's meeting.

"I think the kind of consensus at that time with the Select Board at that time was that we would limit it to businesses in the town of Lanesborough for tow agencies," he said.

"However, it was also mentioned that we really should have a written — it's almost like a procurement policy as far as vendors. In this case, tow agencies."

Select Board member Timothy Sorrell said it was "kind of hanging in the air" and wanted to revisit it.  The job is done by two town companies: Village Truck Sales and Sayers' Auto Wrecking.

"It seems to be the tow service is the only monopoly in town," he said. "That's kind of what we question is, why is that the only one where other out-of-town services aren't allowed to do business here?"

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