Pittsfield School Committee chair not seeking reelection

PITTSFIELD – Alfred E. “Alf” Barbalunga, the current chairman of the city’s school committee, has announced he is not seeking re-election.

“It has been my honor to serve as chair and a privilege to work hand-in-hand with all of the valued Pittsfield school district employees,” Chairman Barbalunga said. “I feel confident there will be a smooth transition with the leadership team of Vice Chair Dan Elias and Secretary Kathy Yon, both who are running for re-election.”

The candidates for the committee seats include Mr. Elias, Ms. Yon, Joshua Cutler, Brittany Lynne Douglas and Cynthia A. Taylor. The election is on Nov. 5.

Chairman Barbalunga is also encouraging others to run for the school committee and said he thinks finding funding to pay school committee members will be key in attracting “a much larger candidate pool.”

“I am personally encouraging others to take out papers,” he said. “I feel it is vital to have people from various walks of life who can bring different perspectives and fresh ideas to the school committee.”

The last day to turn in papers to the Registrar of Voters for voter signature certification is Aug. 6, and the last day to turn in certified papers to the city clerk’s office for placement on the ballot is Aug. 20.

Chairman Barbalunga is proud of the progress the district and committee has made over his tenure as chair.

“During the past year, I have had the unique experience of co-managing the Pittsfield school district with three different superintendents,” he said. “Among many accomplishments, we were able to sign 100 percent of the union bargaining contracts and present annual budgets which will allow this school system to move forward.”

At a school committee meeting earlier this year, Chairman Barbalunga referred the hiring of Superintendent Jason P. McCandless (formerly Lee Public Schools’ superintendent) as a positive move the committee will be remembered for as well.

In addition to his school committee role, he is also the vice chair of the Pittsfield Community Development Board, which he will also be resigning from in December. In total, he has given 18 years of service to the city, something he doesn’t intend to give up.

“I feel very grateful to be a member of this vibrant community,” Chairman Barbalunga said. “There are many ways to make a contribution in my community, and I intend on remaining active in public service and would consider seeking public office again in the future.”

His last school committee meeting will be on Dec. 11, but he plans on being available through Jan. 8 to help with the transition.

Posted by Catherine M. Krummey on July 25, 2013. Filed under Education News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry