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Southern Berkshire school committee votes 5–3 to censure member Kim Alcantara after months of tensions
Summary
After an hours-long public discussion of a formal complaint alleging a pattern of disruptive conduct, the Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee voted 5–3 to censure member Kim Alcantara, citing repeated procedural disruptions and conduct the majority said hindered committee progress.
The Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee voted 5–3 Thursday to censure member Kim Alcantara following a public airing of a formal complaint alleging a pattern of disruptive behavior.
Chair Julie opened the item by summarizing six broad areas of concern contained in the complaint, saying the allegations included "repeatedly delayed and disrupted the process for the district's budget" and citing a claim that Alcantara had stated at a prior meeting there was a "$2,500,000 surplus," an assertion the complaint said misled the public. Legal counsel Josh advised the committee the meeting was being held in open session at Alcantara’s request and outlined procedural options for how to proceed.
Alcantara denied the allegations and challenged their evidentiary basis. "Show me something solid," she said during her response, disputing several hearsay-based claims contained in the complaint. Supporters of the censure countered that the action addressed a broader pattern of conduct, not only the individual instances referenced in the letter.
A motion to censure for "general disruptive behavior" that committee leaders said had impeded the district's work was made, seconded and put to a roll-call vote. The motion carried 5–3; the committee recorded yea votes from Nancy, Bob Kilmer, Miguel, Amy and Chair Julie, with Carl, Art and Kim Alcantara voting no.
The censure is a formal reprimand but does not remove Alcantara from her seat; legal counsel noted removal from office would require legal processes beyond a committee censure or an election outcome. Several members said the committee should pursue mediation and improved meeting protocols as a next step to try to repair working relationships. The chair said staff would inquire with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees about mediation resources.
The committee also discussed, but did not resolve, related personnel complaints referenced during the session and heard the superintendent's suggestion to pursue formal investigative or mediation options if the committee wanted a fuller factual examination of allegations.
The committee adjourned after the vote and agreed to consider mediation and follow-up procedural steps at a future meeting.
