Two Pittsfield School Close Due To COVID Related Staffing Issues

Both Taconic High School and Reid Middle School in Pittsfield are closed today, apparently due to COVID-19 related staffing levels at the schools. That news came after Pittsfield Schools Superintendent, Joseph Curtis has previously warned that school closures could be on the way.

Curtis sent out a robocall and an email to the school community late last night to let parents know to keep their students home for the remainder of the week. Curtis said in the message that he expects that both schools will be open again on Monday. He also said, in his earlier warning, that any missed school days would be made up at a later date - in person, and that there are no plans to return to remote learning. Curtis also apologized for the late-night interruption.

Curtis' email message to the school community:

Good Evening PPS Parents, Guardians, Caregivers, and Staff,

First, let me apologize for this late message as we just received final approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. I am sending this message to our entire school district to ensure that each one of you receives accurate information.

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Due to staffing levels, we have had to make the very difficult decision to close Taconic High School and Reid Middle School on Thursday, January 6, and Friday, January 7, 2022. These days are technically counted as snow or weather days and will have to be made up at the end of the school year. Staff that normally do not report to school on a snow or weather day will not report to Taconic High School and Reid Middle School this Thursday or Friday.

We anticipate being ready to open on Monday, January 10. A communication update will be sent to all Taconic and Reid family and staff members Sunday evening.

Once again, I apologize for the late interruption as this could not be helped despite our best efforts.

Joseph Curtis

Superintendent of the Pittsfield Public Schools

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