PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Public Schools have been ordered to release non-exempt parts of the PHS investigation report by May 8 after a community advocate filed a public records request.

"Pittsfield residents deserve transparency when it comes to the actions of public officials within taxpayer-funded institutions," petitioner and Pittsfield resident Ciara Batory said in a press release on Monday.

 "The community has a right to understand how serious issues are investigated and addressed. This decision is a win for every parent, student, and resident who believes in open, honest governance."

Batory has children in the school system, she said, "although they are not yet in high school, I am deeply invested in the future of our entire school community." 

On April 1, Batory formally requested a copy of the investigative report into alleged wrongdoing by two administrators who have since been cleared by an outside investigation.

School officials initially promised complete transparency in the process but have since cited legality as a hurdle for releasing the report on "unsubstantiated" claims. Chair William Cameron said via email on Monday that the School Committee will discuss further action in executive session during Wednesday's regular meeting.

PPS initially denied Batory's public records request, and following an appeal to the secretary of the commonwealth's Public Records Division, Supervisor of Records Manza Arthur ruled on April 24 that the district failed to justify withholding the report in full and ordered that any non-exempt portions of the report be provided.

This ruling also suggests that the public interest in transparency and accountability may outweigh individual privacy concerns.

Batory provided screenshots of the ruling sent to Anne Marie Carpenter, PPS director of human resources, diversity, and inclusion.

"The School is ordered to provide Ms. Batory with a response to her request, provided in a manner consistent with this order, the Public Records Law and its Regulations within ten (10) business days," it reads.