School committee authorizes personnel subcommittee to search for interim superintendent
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Summary
With a tight timeline before July 1, the Pittsfield School Committee voted to have its personnel/negotiation subcommittee run a search for an interim superintendent to ensure continuity while a full search is planned.
Pittsfield — The Pittsfield School Committee voted Feb. 26 to authorize its personnel negotiation subcommittee to conduct a search for an interim superintendent to start no later than July 1, 2025.
The committee discussed three options for replacing Superintendent Heather Cameron — do nothing, conduct a full search to name a long-term successor in time for a July 1 transition, or hire an interim and take more time to conduct a full search. Members who had previously participated in superintendent searches and others recommended the interim option to allow continuity and a more deliberate full search later.
School Committee Member William Garrity proposed that the personnel subcommittee carry out the interim search, present one or more candidates for public interview and bring finalists back to the full committee. The committee then voted by roll call in open session to authorize that subcommittee to begin the search.
The roll-call record given at the vote shows Miss Belair, Miss Hathaway, Mister Sacco, Mister Lise, Dr. Heather Cameron and Chair William Garrity voting in favor. Chair Garrity noted the mayor had asked that the committee pursue an interim given the short timeline and the work required for a thorough, long-term search.
Members discussed timing: a full search typically begins in late fall or early winter to attract the widest pool; several members said a November–February start usually yields more candidates. Several members also noted upcoming municipal elections could change committee composition, making an interim period useful.
The committee did not select a specific interim candidate at the meeting. Chair Garrity said the personnel subcommittee would oversee recruitment and public interviews and return finalists to the full committee for decision. No salary or contract terms for an interim were approved at the Feb. 26 meeting.
The motion passed and the committee instructed the subcommittee to begin work promptly so an interim, if selected, could overlap with existing administration before July 1.