Two additional top administrators at Pittsfield High School were placed on leave following investigations by the Department of Children and Families, a local newspaper reported.
High School dean arrested
Pittsfield families were notified that the staff member, whose job title and name were not shared, was placed on administrative leave Dec. 13 following the investigation, the Berkshire Eagle reported. The newspaper later identified the staff member at Vice Principal Alison Shepherd. Then, Dean of Students Molly West was placed on administrative leave pending a DCF investigation, the Eagle reported a week later. Previously, the high school’s other Dean of Students, Lavante Wiggins, was accused of running a cocaine drug ring and trafficking large amounts of the drug around Western Massachusetts, federal prosecutors said. Wiggins was arrested on Dec. 11. Superintendent Joseph Curtis did not say what the investigations entailed, according to the Eagle. “The district is fully cooperating with all relevant authorities to ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation,” Curtis told the Eagle. “At the same time, we are conducting our own internal inquiry to gather information to identify next steps, navigating these serious allegations responsibly and thoroughly.”
More Pittsfield High staffers on leave as community responds
The Pittsfield City Council held a special meeting Dec. 23 and unanimously voted to “join the School Committee in its call for an investigation into allegations against city employees,” according to the agenda. During the 90-minute meeting, residents spoke about their anger and frustration related to the multiple investigations, including sexual harassment allegations against a former teacher via a federal lawsuit, the Eagle reported. “We need to know the facts, and that’s exactly what this petition will do,” City Councilor Rhonda Serre said. “There will be changes down the road, but I think until a fair, independent, and open investigation, as the School Committee and the mayor have already initiated, is the only way for this to move forward.” Two staff members of the Berkshire Family YMCA were also put on leave pending two separate DCF investigations, officials told the Eagle last week. Taverick “Tank” Roberson was placed on leave in connection to his former job at Pittsfield High, while the investigation into the second staffer was unrelated, according to the paper. Pittsfield Public Schools, West, Shepherd, and Roberson did not return requests for comment from Boston.com about both personnel incidents. DCF said it could not confirm or deny any pending investigations.
Molly Farrar
Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.