Pittsfield Superintendent Joseph Curtis announced his resignation a year before his contract is up, amidst scandals at Pittsfield High School involving staff misconduct allegations. Curtis cited the best interest of students as his guiding principle for the decision. His appointment in 2021 sparked criticism from city councilors and the NAACP. Councilor Patrick Kavey highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the hiring practices and culture of the district. Valerie Anderson expressed outrage over the scandals at a December meeting.
Curtis faced criticism in 2022 over a reflooring project that filled high schools with dangerous fumes. Longtime teacher Lisa Ostellino raised concerns about prior knowledge of the situation. Despite this, Mayor Peter Marchetti thanked Curtis for his service and pledged to find a new superintendent who can lead the district effectively.
School Committee chair Dr. William Cameron expressed regret over Curtis’s resignation but emphasized the need for competent leadership. The committee now has four months to find a replacement. The next meeting on February 26th is expected to address the issue. The community, school district, and committee will work together to ensure a smooth transition and provide the best quality education for students.
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