Pittsfield School Committee Appoints Latifah Phillips as Permanent Superintendent
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee enthusiastically voted to hire Latifah Phillips as the permanent superintendent on Wednesday.
Appointed as the interim last spring, Phillips is said to have brought meaningful initiatives centered on student outcomes to the Pittsfield Public Schools in a short period of time. Her hire is pending a successful contract negotiation.
"We've had a lot of really difficult decisions since January, and I think this one is easy," committee member Heather McNeice said.
There was applause from attendees after the vote.
Three options were listed on the agenda: Hire Phillips, conduct a search and allow Phillips to apply, or conduct a search not allowing Phillips to apply based on the interim search. Committee member Sarah Muil made the motion to hire Phillips, explaining that from her first conversations with the educational leader, she has felt like Phillips was at home.
"She has always been unwavering, and everything that she's done, she's always kept a calm and steady way of talking through every situation with families, with staff members, with us," Muil said.
"I feel as though I'm growing up with her in some way through this experience, because she is showing us what a leader truly can be when you allow them to be in the role that they should be in."
Phillips, who joined the meeting virtually, said this is one of the most significant moments in her life and career, and that serving PPS during this interim year has reinforced her belief in restraint, resilience, and potential with students, staff, families, and the community.
She said she looks forward to advancing the district’s shared vision and ensuring that every decision is centered on the success and well-being of students.
"I want you to know that I approach this responsibility with humility, with optimism, and a clear understanding of the work that's ahead," she said.
"The progress that I shared in my evaluation self-assessment represents important foundational work, but it's only the beginning, and the system structures and investments we established this year now need to be translated into measurable improvements in student outcomes and opportunities, equitable opportunities for every learner, and that is what I hold myself accountable to."
Her self-evaluation goals for the 2025-2026 school year were centered around advancing the West Side school construction project, leading the restructuring of the middle schools for the fall, and delivering a structurally balanced budget.
Phillips also led PPS through the closure of Morningside Community School, which, in her self-evaluation, she described as one of the most significant and difficult decisions undertaken this year.
Mayor Peter Marchetti explained that it was his idea two years ago to not let the interim superintendent apply for the position, which he did because of the turmoil that happened within the district regarding the last superintendent.
"We made him an interim; we went out and did a full search. It ended up being him. It was a four-to-three vote, and from that very first night, it was a slippery slope, because there wasn't the support from a school committee or multiple school committees," he said.
"…I think we're in a different place, and I think it's time to move forward."
When explaining his confidence in Phillips, he recalled when she was appointed, and he voiced his concern about her inexperience with developing a budget. Her response was to please give her a chance to do her job. Marchetti said she then presented a budget like nothing PPS has seen before.
There were only five committee members present for this vote, but he said it was "very, very" important to send the message that this appointment is unanimous.
During public comment, community members also communicated their support for Phillips as the permanent superintendent.
Former committee member Vicky Smith said the educational fortress built by many leaders before her defended the status quo to the detriment of students, families, and the community, and it is time to dismantle that structure.
"This is not the time to disrupt her progress in any way," she said.
"Do not delay. Let her know she belongs here, and that we each and all are here to help make the positive changes that will impact us all and last for generations."
Taconic High School alumnus Niya Schrader said Phillips has shown the courage to step into this district and make changes that others before her may not have been willing to make, and demonstrated leadership, vision, and a commitment to improving outcomes for students. Most importantly, Schrader said Phillips sees the potential in every child in this district and is working to build a future where every student can succeed.
Shirley Edgerton, a grandmother, mentor, and former cultural proficiency coach for PPS, said Phillips has demonstrated expertise in researching issues and developing systematic plans to address them.
She pointed out that Phillips has also assembled a "historic and highly talented" team of administrators, which happens to be made up of women.
"Given the challenges facing our city, Dr. Phillips can be a collaborative partner in addressing the issues of drugs and violence that impact our communities," Edgerton said.
"We can no longer pretend that these problems do not follow our children into our classrooms and affect their ability to learn and thrive. We have a leader with the knowledge, experience, vision, and determination to create a comprehensive plan that systematically addresses the academic needs of our children and ensures that they are prepared to successfully navigate the next chapters of their lives after graduating from Pittsfield Public Schools."
Tags: Pittsfield Public Schools, superintendent,
