Pittsfield Administrator Tapped for Berkshire Hills Position
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Kristen Behnke will leave the school district after more than 20 years.
This was disclosed during Wednesday's School Committee meeting. Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips, who has been in the position for three months, said Behnke has been "such an asset" to her during that time.
"But I know to the district for over two decades, so it will be a tremendous loss to us, big shoes to fill, but really thankful for the time that we've had with you," Phillips said.
"And I wanted to share that before giving an update on replacing her, because it is a very difficult process."
In early August, the Berkshire Hills Regional School District unanimously appointed Behnke as business manager, according to meeting minutes. The district represents Great Barrington, Stockbridge, and West Stockbridge.
"We do recognize that the interviews and the process won't close before Assistant Superintendent Behnke leaves, so we are working on a plan. I am looking at retired assistant superintendents for finance to potentially provide temporary support, as well as contracted finance officers to provide support," Phillips reported.
"Also meeting with the team internally to see what kind of structure can we put into place just to ensure that our everyday processes, our payroll, our contracts, continue to move forward."
They will provide an update at the next School Committee meeting.
Vice Chair Daniel Elias thanked Behnke for her years of service.
"I'm not going to lie and say I'm not disappointed, because I am, but I understand," he said.
"And it has been a lot of years, and you've served us very well, and we're going to feel the pain of that, I think, for a while, so I'm glad we're taking our time looking for a replacement."
He and Chair William Cameron pointed out a string of "A-plus" budget officers that PPS has had, including Behnke.
"We've been very lucky if we've had well over 30 years of consistently high performance in that role, and it is a crucial role, and I will say that I think Kristen has done an outstanding job, and our loss is certainly Berkshire Hills' gain," Cameron said.
The district began the school year with a new assistant superintendent of instruction, assessment, and educational engagement, Nicole Shepardson, as well as a new superintendent. Former superintendent Joseph Curtis stepped down from his position on July 1 after 30 years with the district.
Based on the job listing, the full-time assistant superintendent for business and finances oversees budgeting, payroll, benefits, accounts payable/receivable, contracts, purchasing, and related functions while maintaining fiscal integrity, compliance, and transparency.
"Pittsfield Public Schools is seeking an experienced and dynamic Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance to provide leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for all aspects of the district's financial operations," it reads.
"This role is central to ensuring that business functions run smoothly and efficiently, enabling school leaders to focus their time and energy on supporting teaching and learning in the classroom."
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