Pittsfield School Committee to See Flag Ordinance

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee will decide a policy to keep flag displays consistent with the district's sentiments. 

On the agenda for Wednesday's meeting is a first reading of a "Flag Protocols on School Property" policy similar to an ordinance adopted by the City Council the prior week. 

It allows Pittsfield's flag, the United States flag, flags of other nations recognized by the U.S. government, and flags commemorating significant events or causes consistent with the school district's official sentiments. 

Last week, the Policy Subcommittee forwarded it to the School Committee with an amendment to have flag decisions made by the committee and the superintendent, rather than just the superintendent. 

"Nobody could come to us and say, 'We want our white supremacist flag to fly, just because you have to give equal consideration to all points of view,' because we would say 'No, it has to be the official sentiments of the School Committee,'" member Sara Hathaway said as an example of situations it could prevent. 

School Committee member William Garrity, who proposed the policy, explained that it is recommended for districts to have a resolution or policy on flag protocols. This policy is based on a model from the Framingham Public Schools with language from the flag ordinance approved by the council. 

The amendment was made to align with the council's ordinance, which gives the council specific governance over flags. 

The Middle School Restructuring Committee is set to meet at Reid Middle School on Tuesday to discuss continued work. 

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.