This letter to the editor was in the January 2nd, 2026 paper of the Berkshire Eagle.
To the editor: As the Pittsfield School Committee is experiencing almost complete turnover, and with the current chair not returning, the new committee will be electing a new School Committee chair.
Having served on the School Committee this past term and having worked closely with our current chair Dr. Cameron, I understand the importance of having a chair who understands how public schools function inside and out.
Given the challenges that the Pittsfield Public Schools currently face and will continue to face over the next several years, I believe it is extremely important that the committee elects a chair with a background in public school education to lead the district through these tough times. The School Committee needs a chair who understands the potential of what our schools could be like. A chair who understands the goals and aspirations of public education. A chair who understands that our school system is more than dollar signs, budget line items, and the bottom-line budget number but all the hard-working staff, faculty and administrators, and most importantly our students that make our school system run. A chair who can lead with compassion and put the needs of our students and teachers front and center, rather than making decisions to score local political points. Only a chair who has experience in education would be able to do just this. I believe there are a few new members who I feel can meet this challenge of being chair in these times.
I know some will be concerned with the idea of having someone without prior experience on the School Committee to serve as chair, but that should not be a hindrance. The Massachusetts Association of School Committees has many trainings and support systems for new and aspiring chairs, and there are many people in Berkshire County and beyond who know well the role of the chair and would be able to guide a new member through serving as one.
I hope these members step up the plate and offer to run for chair. Having a School Committee chair with a background in education would be in the best interest of our students and the wider Pittsfield Public Schools community. This would ensure that the committee’s work remains focused on making the best decisions for our students and staff rather than serving local political interests.
William Garrity, Pittsfield