Rewind: June 14 through June 20

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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A lot has happened in the Berkshires this week. Here are some of the stories you may have missed. 
 
Berkshire Carousel Spins Again
 
For the first time in years, community members of all ages rode the Berkshire Carousel. The carousel re-opened with a new patio and volunteer support.  The efforts originally began in the late 2000s, and the ride hadn't operated since 2018. 
 
More information here
 
'No Kings' Demonstrations Held Around County
 
Less than 20 minutes away, hundreds of people filled the side streets near the Common to protest the actions of the Trump Administration. The effort was part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.
 
More information here
 
Mural Honoring 54th Massachusetts at the Center of Juneteenth Celebration
 
Pittsfield’s annual Juneteenth Celebration at Durant Park featured the unveiling of a new mural dedicated to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and, specifically, the Pittsfield residents who served in the nation’s first all-Black combat unit.
 
More information here
 
A Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Themed 'Young At Heart'
 
The Pittsfield Fourth of July parade is just weeks away. This year's event, themed "Young at Heart," will feature over 100 units, including more than a dozen floats, several musical dance performances, and other elements that celebrate the community's youth.  
 
More information here
 
Lanesborough OKs Towing Policy
 
The Lanesborough Select Board approved a towing policy that doesn't require companies to have a storage facility in town or charge the customer for a cancelled call. 
 
More information here
 
Pittsfield Adult Learning Center Graduates 62 Resilient Students
 
Sixty-two graduates received High School Equivalency Diplomas, Adult Diplomas, and or General Educational Development credentials during the Williams Stickney Pittsfield Adult Learning Center’s 44th commencement ceremony, held at Taconic High School.  
 
More information here
 
Clarksburg Elementary Bids Farewell to Principal, Administrative Assistant
 
Clarksburg Elementary celebrated its principal and administrative assistant on the last day of school.
 
Principal Sandra Cote and administrative assistant Donna Neville both decided to retire at the end of the school year.
 
More information here
 
Adams Town Meeting Approves FY2026 Budget with Amendments
 
Town meeting members approved all town meeting articles on the warrant Tuesday night after making some amendments to the operating budget.
 
Although the 108 town meeting members in attendance ultimately approved the $19,763,563 fiscal year 2026 budget that will raise $14,369,951 through taxation, they did make some changes to the operating budget.
 
More information here
 
Lever Partnering Two Companies to Use Local Wood in Berkshire Projects
 
North Adams-based economic development nonprofit Lever has partnered with Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and Hall Tavern Farm to supply local wood for four affordable homes in Williamstown, with support from a Massachusetts grant.
 
More information here
 
MassDOT Plans Replacement of South St. Bridges
 
The state will replace two structurally unsound bridges on South Street in Pittsfield within a couple of years, possibly resulting in a brief closure of the main route.
 
More information here
 
Kirvin Park Staged for 'Significant' Ecological Restoration
 
Kirvin Memorial Park is staged for "significant" floodplain and habitat restoration beginning in the fall. 
 
The city, in collaboration with the Housatonic River Natural Resources Trustees and General Electric Co., is working to enhance the natural resources of the Housatonic River Watershed.
 
More information here
 
Pittsfield Now Sisters With Cape Coast, Ghana
 
For the first time in 25 years, Pittsfield has a new sister city. During a signing ceremony, the city established Cape Coast, Ghana, as its new sister. 
 
The designation aims to foster cultural, economic, and intellectual exchange.  
 
More information here
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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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