[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6073481,"mediaKeyId","2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d","parentId",2992881,"title","School committee accepts nine‑month budget projection, approves nurse pay rise and vendor contracts","audioSeconds",2409,"startMs",2348000,"endMs",4757000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d&start=2348&end=4757","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d/thumbnail_2348000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6073481/Massachusetts/School-committee-accepts-ninemonth-budget-projection-approves-nurse-pay-rise-and-vendor-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073481-40833ebaad94af11feae914f3f65d223/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188744&Signature=RZn~JApZ2oVAY6wtwAsgF86GI3AabqCmtS9vqxvvZEBUd4J3tv3HqzzrAj4jVrbaYZyZ6ATI3kstvXip~qY-5QePHlVCXnRFXO9EvErKSEh8qUSH6K2xBYYa43F6jhFavMkTahPDkuBhPY6LoSKeo08XpBaHkQ4qTivYFjaHuahu4Fr~Y6t3xOxrO0G1oJCLtIPBHIb5kXy9TWvhFHuUQI9IvK89b9p-rPnedmkiQgAuUU5GAVIVUrA2LctmkzD~TYMO1jD5PaP7QBVn4IxMD4au5Zjy6dGbSGsT5aTS2P0dlHUNfYWrSjnzr-x1WlQkD-c~NaizLEpPUbk6eEEqxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pittsfield Public Schools, MA","date","2025-04-09T00:00:00Z","article","The Pittsfield School Committee accepted a nine‑month budget projection, approved several operational contracts and rate changes, and heard student-work-based learning updates during Monday's meeting.

Budget snapshot and projection: Assistant Superintendent Behnke presented the nine‑month budget projection and said the district currently projects a surplus of $56,978. Behnke warned that contracting for temporary services and filling vacancies with agency providers — notably nursing and special-education services — is costing significantly more than in-house staffing and that some lines (legal services, special education contracted services, bus maintenance and special-education transportation) show projected deficits that will require transfers.

Substitute/relief nurse pay increase: The committee approved a motion to increase the per‑diem rate for substitute and relief nurses from $200 to $325, a half‑day rate to $162.50, and hourly additional-hours pay to $45. The administration said the higher rates respond to market conditions and aim to fill vacancies.

Fuel contract: The committee awarded a three‑year fuel bid to Global Montello Group Corporation of Waltham, Massachusetts, for diesel and gasoline used by district buses and vehicles. The contract includes a discount off posted pump price; administration said the discount being offered this round (~14¢ off) was higher than usual and favorable.

Line-item transfers: The committee approved line-item budget transfers to cover shortfalls in legal services and other cost-center adjustments; the administration provided documentation showing transfers between utility and legal-service lines and noted additional internal transfers would be reflected in upcoming budget reports.

Cooperative education and field trip approvals: The committee heard a report that Taconic High School co-op students worked in a wide range of industries, with students earning an estimated $258,000 in the 2024–25 school year and an average wage of about $17 per hour. The committee approved a student field trip to the Bay of Naples, Rome and Pompeii (Feb. 13–20, 2026) as outlined in the enclosure for the request.

Votes at a glance (recorded in open session):
- Accept superintendent's report: approved (voice vote)
- Accept nine‑month budget projection: approved (voice vote)
- Increase substitute/relief nurse rates (per diem to $325): approved (voice vote)
- Award fuel bid to Global Montello Group Corporation: approved (voice vote)
- Approve line-item transfers (enclosure #5): approved (voice vote)
- Approve international field trip to Bay of Naples/Rome/Pompeii (Feb. 13–20, 2026): approved (voice vote)

Why it matters: The nurse-rate change is intended to make short‑term coverage more attractive and reduce reliance on expensive contracted nurses; the fuel contract and transfers address operational continuity. The nine‑month projection highlights pressure points — special‑education tuition and transportation, bus maintenance, and contracted service costs — that administrators said they will monitor and address ahead of final budget adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pittsfield School Committee Meeting - April 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Pittsfield School Committee accepted a nine‑month budget projection showing a modest surplus, approved higher daily rates for substitute and relief nurses, awarded a three‑year fuel contract, and approved line-item transfers; officials also heard a cooperative education report and approved an international field trip.","taxTitle","Pittsfield Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts","taxId",67740,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073485,"Committee tables social-media policy, refers PER61B to policy subcommittee after debate",1780,2576000,4356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d&start=2576&end=4356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d/thumbnail_2576000.jpg","/articles/6073485/Massachusetts/Committee-tables-social-media-policy-refers-PER61B-to-policy-subcommittee-after-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073485-a0e7ccca449bc120dfd4a305a34a8cad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188744&Signature=kLEVIHGmA1dUBwdTaINFRiz-JdL5QRQbpcg5zh7-2euKm4242rCvc4yei6jUxc9KkEquai17zD9XMEwMSVkFYyOUUR6lHTGRe9tUOTbTzlELvOLK5YYZ~VoGAXvuhMtNpPq-gbTKSK4JETJT4rGZu4jUoZDDNRccTv78leNJGWrppDYOSldsMCcfFPFRuc93~kI81FDj37yjlJGPcfMuD70L052J~Y6AYfTOEAR3gkOITPLJOo6HxbRwgxnAdE2iHY0amuXBYK728WDMBOFcvHaRf9uSEV7M0Wt151bbxgMkBLqgzy~GKXN~VW0NZZcvXiph1s~LYp48rPq1iUws0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pittsfield School Committee debated changes to a staff social-media and personal-cell-phone policy and decided to refer the matter to the policy subcommittee for more detailed review.

What happened: The committee first voted to waive Policy SC 47, allowing a one-reading adoption process for the revised policy language. The motion to waive the two-reading requirement passed by voice vote.

The policy debate centered on the social-media section (labeled \"C\" in the draft). Members discussed whether accounts using the district name and logo should be owned and managed by the district or by class advisers, coaches or designees. Committee members concerned about accountability urged the district to establish ownership and central credentials; others said an immediate step granting administrative access would be an improvement and reflected the current status quo.

Key exchanges and positions: Miss Bellaire pressed for district ownership if accounts use the district's name and logos. Mr. Garrity and others said the proposed language initially made the district \"owner,\" but that sentence was removed to avoid assuming management responsibility without a plan. Mayor Marchetti warned that passing a policy the district cannot enforce could create more confusion. Several members noted that provisions in the policy —such as prohibiting staff from friending current students and banning posting in school settings—are already enforced as administrative directives or bargaining agreements.

Final action: After debate and a motion to strike contested subsections was tabled, the committee voted unanimously to refer PER61B to the policy subcommittee for further development and implementation planning. The committee chair stressed that Sections A and B of the policy (restrictions on staff friending/following students and using school settings to publicize personal accounts) are already in effect and enforceable.

Why it matters: The policy affects how school-related accounts are managed, who controls district-branded accounts, and which employees bear responsibility and potential liability for account content. Committee members also flagged indemnification and liability questions for staff who run accounts.","The School Committee discussed and ultimately tabled an amended staff social-media and personal-cell-phone policy (PER61B). The committee approved waiving a two-reading requirement (SC47) and later voted to refer PER61B to the policy subcommittee for further work on implementation and ownership of accounts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073489,"School committee votes to ask counsel for an executive summary after BRG investigation; legal privacy concerns cited",1914,6780000,8694000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d&start=6780&end=8694","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d/thumbnail_6780000.jpg","/articles/6073489/Massachusetts/School-committee-votes-to-ask-counsel-for-an-executive-summary-after-BRG-investigation-legal-privacy-concerns-cited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073489-8128bc042ff0e2c587ea775c1805b33a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188744&Signature=DVoPBNmz9Aamjy6DW5r2z9UtfWlWklxvBnb8941PMrMF5Bu0gkMzhGS~8XicyO5wY0y4JWHy4M5c3zx9FuKi8ObcV0RNwcgaHVF0hsi~K0vgXmLHs4IZVsLXNnWc1uNPK9WWyE406qeElYfWyyKfvrTp8Xick3EX61iIGpNyYvNrDsnAuICGuugq82fTZ-xrWY6LgqwXuRvbBpGceAwIPG2nQuYClYyqtX1mGBPaHv3AtRMidSxj~lyO8UawL-5o~FripkxZXmQ1z6rx6yrZKv~1gz1z-4NwM01xu0G0cii~7dngxS0QY~o67j2bEvj2WPdZKcD5U2~ZmAEGtYaQDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pittsfield School Committee voted to ask its legal counsel to draft a public executive summary describing the process and conclusions from outside investigations conducted by Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas (BRG), after heated debate about whether the committee should release BRG's full reports.

Why it mattered: The committee received public pressure to release the BRG reports in full. Committee members and counsel raised legal and prudential objections, saying full release could violate privacy statutes and expose witnesses to harassment.

What the committee decided: Mayor Marchetti moved — and the committee approved — a motion directing legal counsel to develop an executive-summary-style description of the investigation process and conclusions, if possible, without disclosing legally protected information. The motion passed by voice vote in open session.

Legal rationale discussed at length: A committee member explained that state public-records law contains privacy protections that can bar disclosure. The speaker summarized counsel's reading that M.G.L. c. 4, §7(26) (the public-records statute) and M.G.L. c. 214, §1B (privacy protections) could make release of the BRG reports unlawful or expose third parties to \"unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.\" The member said BRG identified interviewees by position and sometimes by name; even redactions might not prevent identification in context.

Concerns cited by speakers: Committee members who opposed full release said publication could (1) harm people named in the reports, especially if allegations were unsubstantiated; (2) expose third‑party interviewees to online harassment; and (3) chill future investigations if people fear public exposure.

Requests for more public information: Other committee members pressed for more transparency, proposing an executive summary or a clear statement of process, chronology, and the committee's conclusions. \"The public is owed something,\" said one member who co-sponsored the motion to seek a written summary from counsel.

Next steps: Legal counsel will draft the proposed document; the committee requested that the draft describe the investigative process and include conclusions where legally permissible. The transcript records committee members agreed to rely on the district's retained counsel (DuBray law firm) to advise on what can be released.","After extended public debate, the Pittsfield School Committee asked legal counsel to prepare an executive-summary-style public statement about outside BRG investigations, following counsel's advice that full reports may violate privacy statutes and harm witnesses.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6073493,"Educators, parents press Pittsfield School Committee to finalize UEP contract",5342,278000,5620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d&start=278&end=5620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2992881-93bb4a915bd67f5aeda9eda6d8b3f34d/thumbnail_278000.jpg","/articles/6073493/Massachusetts/Educators-parents-press-Pittsfield-School-Committee-to-finalize-UEP-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6073493-8fe636642276b1feb4617ff5d5761479/orig.mp4?Expires=1771188744&Signature=GDKFmHtIlfrxKpPm6yQ0d36DmGfEFXalN9QyVaG1EKd77luxAPljxAStnvRNZ6i16sEFafrB52W9vyVRBqDvp3pRG9ItQsshehE0QpbDmp~vgI7anbmMJasURw86MT8fKG2sLT5TcrYfu5-bTsPQT7FafIZYqLbf6fqVgDwtD-~RvKf0Gbmnv5GTIMq6g1GSC49rN2wpNrs614-sFA3gNdUAc4PPvtVtRHLXfpNZPWf2j6Fx2Eidsbr5ZUnlcdGnpTr9NAbYwr6QnB5F29tPsSc1yf2m4h66A14-c9tEHXuH06VVfO95omyDWgnPS9Cyp7~cTCSZZz-PjiMRmE5gpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the United Educators of Pittsfield asked the Pittsfield School Committee on Monday to finalize a contract the union says was agreed to after lengthy bargaining.

The request came during the public-comment period, where several teachers, paraprofessionals and parents described operational problems they attribute to the lack of a signed contract. \"We came to an agreement at 12:15AM on 01/30/2025 after a marathon session of bargaining. And yet, 10 weeks later, we still have not a finalized agreement,\" said Jean Lehi, speaking for the UEP.

Why it matters: Committee members heard repeated accounts of staff in limbo about retirement pay, recruiting and retention problems, and increased workloads for remaining staff. The speakers said those conditions pose a risk to classroom stability and student services.

Details from the floor: Lisa Robinson, who identified herself as a Reed teacher and near‑retiree, told the committee, \"I have applied for retirement, but downtown has refused to give me the finalized paperwork. I need to know what my pay will be in July, or if I will even get pay.\" Justin Kai Burdick, an elementary teacher and lifelong Pittsfield resident, criticized the committee for slow negotiations and urged voters to weigh committee members' records on contract negotiations when considering future candidates.

Other speakers described classroom and student-support gaps. Michael Vincent Bushey, an exploratory arts teacher, said behavior-management supports are insufficient and called delays “dangerous.” Several speakers pressed the committee to finalize pay scales and language for related-service staff, including speech, occupational and physical therapists.

Committee response and next steps: The meeting record shows the committee later moved into executive session under the statutory exemption for collective bargaining strategy; that motion was approved by roll call. The public comments also referenced a pending UEP membership meeting on April 15, where union leadership planned a vote if the contract was finalized in time.

What was not decided: The committee did not announce a signed, finalized public contract during the meeting. Members did not specify a new public timeline for finalization beyond the executive-session bargaining item recorded later in the agenda.

Context: Speakers repeatedly linked recruitment and retention problems to the unsigned contract, saying new hires are hesitant to accept positions without confirmed pay scales and job descriptions. Multiple public commenters said HR has told them recruitment is constrained by the absence of finalized salary schedules.","Teachers, paraprofessionals and parents urged the Pittsfield School Committee to finalize a proposed contract with the United Educators of Pittsfield after bargaining concluded in January but the agreement remained unsigned weeks later.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School committee accepts nine‑month budget projection, approves nurse pay rise and vendor contracts

Committee tables social-media policy, refers PER61B to policy subcommittee after debate

School committee votes to ask counsel for an executive summary after BRG investigation; legal privacy concerns cited

Educators, parents press Pittsfield School Committee to finalize UEP contract