Pittsfield community voices concerns to public schools

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) -- Following the arrest of Pittsfield High School's Dean of Students, Levante Wiggins, in connection to drug trafficking, the School Committee met Wednesday night. A large crowd was drawn in that was concerned for the district's future.

"A dean of students accused of trafficking drugs and a vice principal alleged to have engaged in inappropriate relationships with students. These horrifying incidents are not isolated," stated Jaclyn Rickey, a Parent, Teacher and Graduate.

For more than 30 minutes, parents and community members criticized the district’s hiring practices and response to the latest allegations. "The question to ask is, 'Who didn't know?' Not, 'Who knew?' Some of these concerns are dated back to last year," posed Paul Gregory.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis pushed back on claims that he or the administration knew about what Wiggins is accused of. "As a parent of this school district who's put three boys through Morningside, Reid and Taconic High School, that I am okay with that? Or I would dare ignore that? Then you do not know me."

NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski drove out to Pittsfield to try and meet with the school administration. He was allowed inside the admin building but was told that Superintendent Curtis was out of the office and it was unclear when he would be back. Next week, the district will be off for its holiday recess.

We also reached out to all members of the School Committee. Only one got back to us and said he couldn’t comment.

At Wednesday's meeting, Sara Hathaway, Pittsfield School Committee Member, did say, "You've raised your children to be good citizens. I'll raise this city to be worthy of your children. Last week, those circumstances were clearly not where I would've wanted them to be."