PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Community members and officials overwhelmingly favored Latifah Phillips for interim superintendent, citing her vision, vibe, and experience as tools that can make positive change.

"The mayor wanted to express that all three candidates shared some great answers during the interview process. However, one candidate stood out with her vision, and that is [Phillips]," Director of Administrative Services and Public Information Officer Catherine Van Bramer read on behalf of Mayor Peter Marchetti, who was unable to attend Wednesday's meeting.

"[Phillips] provided well-rounded responses and highlighted an understanding of what our district and community need. She focused on building collaboration as she stated that the school district is the future of our community."

On Wednesday, the School Committee voted to appoint Phillips to the one-year position, recognizing that they were fortunate to have three strong candidates to choose from. Phillips is currently the chief equity and engagement officer for the Lowell Public Schools and has prior experience as the director of Native education for the state of Washington's Department of Education and the assistant secretary of Indian education in the New Mexico Public Education Department.

She, Robert Putnam and Roland Joyal Jr. were interviewed last week at Reid Middle School.

Residents speaking during open microphone and School Committee members recognized the Pittsfield Public Schools' struggles over the last six months after becoming embroiled in a staffing scandal. While misconduct allegations are largely reported as "unsustained," community members recognized the importance of rebuilding trust and morale.

"I stand here this evening to respectfully suggest that the highest priority for our district and our city is healing the hurt in allegations of impropriety and criminal behavior at Pittsfield High School and the subsequent investigations that it has caused. Rebuilding trust with students, staff, and the public is paramount to the future vitality and success of the Pittsfield Public Schools. New buildings and programs don't make a district; the people do," resident Maureen Russo said.

"I believe that [Phillips] is the candidate best suited to help move us beyond the current environment of suspicion and negativity and build a new foundation in which we can begin to rebuild and restore trust in the district and the community and to begin the very important work of rebuilding morale among the dedicated, talented people who work very hard every day to support the students of the Pittsfield Public Schools."

Michele Rivers Murphy, a former independent consultant for Pittsfield, said Phillips is "unequivocally the best in the most qualified and will best serve Pittsfield Public Schools and its needs."