 Pittsfield Schools Officials See FY27 Budget for 13 SchoolsRight after the School Committee voted to close Morningside Community School, members saw how it will affect the fiscal year 2027 budget. With Tears, Pittsfield Officials Vote to Close MorningsideThe School Committee on Wednesday made an emotional vote to close Morningside Community School at the end of the academic year. Morningside Community Defends School at Hearing for Possible ClosureMembers of the Morningside community defended their school on Thursday during a hearing for its possible closure.  Pittsfield School Officials See FY27 Budget Without MorningsideRetiring Morningside Community School in the fall would cut about $2.5 million from the FY27 budget. Pittsfield Schools Schedule Morningside, Budget Hearings This WeekThe School Committee will hold another public hearing for the potential closure of Morningside Community School.  Pittsfield Schools Hear Community Feedback on Morningside ClosureThe Pittsfield Public Schools are gathering feedback on a potential closure of Morningside Community School before a recommendation is made.  Pittsfield's Morningside School Faces Potential ClosureInterim Superintendent Latifah Phillips emphasized that no decision has been made, and that the conversation is centered on student success. Pittsfield Schools Hold Budget HearingThe administration will present a draft fiscal year 2027 budget on March 11, and has been focused on equitably distributing resources based on need while bridging a $4 million funding gap without layoffs. Super Says Pittsfield Schools in 'Turnaround'Two-thirds of Pittsfield schools need focused or targeted assistance, according to 2025 accountability data from the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education. Pittsfield Schools Plan Another Difficult Budget Year Sans LayoffsThe Pittsfield Public Schools are seeing the effects of inflation on the fiscal year 2027 budget, and want to close the gap in funding without layoffs. Pittsfield Plans School Transition Activities Ahead of RestructuringAs the district prepares to restructure its middle schools in the fall, administrators are considering transition activities that will best meet the needs of Pittsfield students. Pittsfield School Board See Update on Middle School RestructuringThere has been a focus on strategic scheduling that amplifies district priorities, encourages best practices in teaching and learning, heightens student engagement, encourages equity, and does it all in a cost-effective manner. Pittsfield Teachers Get Bereavement Leave for Pregnancy LossPittsfield Public Schools educators can now use bereavement pay for a loss of pregnancy or a stillborn child. Most of Pittsfield School Committee Bids FarewellThe School Committee will look much different after inauguration day, as Daniel Elias is the only member who will return. Pittsfield Middle Schools to Restructure Next FallThe city's middle schools will restructure next fall to give all students equitable access to education and take fifth grade out of the early elementary level. Pittsfield Middle School Restructuring to Alter Bus, Bell TimesIf the School Committee decides to proceed with the middle school restructuring in the fall, students will see changes in bus schedules and, in turn, bell schedules. Pittsfield Schools Falling Behind on AttendancePittsfield Public Schools' "scary" attendance rates fall below the state average, and the district is trying to determine the root causes so they can be addressed.  Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Offered Year's Contract ExtensionThe School Committee has voted to offer interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips a yearlong contract extension.  Pittsfield Schools Plan Special Meeting Before Middle Restructuring VoteThe school district is approaching its progress point that will determine if the middle schools will restructure next school year. Additional HR Staff, Streamlined Investigations Recommended for Pittsfield SchoolsOn Wednesday, the School Committee received a presentation from the Collins Center for Public Management, which was contracted to review the district’s HR, hiring, and retention processes. Pittsfield School Building Committee Preps for Crosby/Conte Feasibility StudyLast week, members mapped out a path forward as the city approaches a possible feasibility study for a rebuild of Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on the West Street site.  Eagle Education Academy Open House Focuses on Student SuccessThe public alternative school serves students from Grades 6 through 12 who benefit from more individualized support.  Stearns Not Currently Included in Pittsfield's Crosby/Conte ProposalStearns Elementary School was not included in Crosby/Conte planning documents sent to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. Pittsfield Public Schools Awarded CPPI GrantA coalition of community organizations was central in designing the vision for this grant and will continue to play a role in its implementation. Plan for Merging Pittsfield's Elementary Zones TabledThe School Committee is not ready to adopt an elementary school reorganization plan that moves Stearns students into the proposed Crosby/Conte building. |
