PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Several Stearns Elementary School staff were put on leave at the end of February for allegations of using a bathroom to "de-escalate" students.

A report was filed with the state Department of Children and Families and separate investigations are being conducted by DCF and the Pittsfield Public Schools.

On Thursday, Superintendent Joseph Curtis sent a communication to PPS families reporting that on Feb. 26, Stearns Principal Sara Luciani received an allegation that staff members in Room 7 and Room 1 were using a classroom bathroom in Room 7 as a place for students to de-escalate.

"Principal Luciani investigated immediately and then informed district administrators of this allegation," Curtis wrote.

"Based on the information provided to the district administration, a 51a report was filed immediately with the Department of Children and Families (DCF); the staff members allegedly involved in this practice to correct student behavior were placed on administrative leave on Friday, February 28, 2025."

Curtis reported that at the time, the district had no information indicating that staff rooms other than Rooms 1 and 7 were involved in this practice.

"The families of the students who were reported to be involved in this practice were notified
immediately to ensure transparency and open communication. On March 2 & 3, Principal Luciani communicated with the families of students in Rooms 1 and 7, informing them of immediate staff changes and support for all students in these rooms," he wrote.

"Although this is currently under investigation, the use of seclusion (physically confining a student alone in a room or restricted space without access to school staff) is strictly prohibited under PPS policy STU-46A. Violation of this policy by any employee will not be tolerated under any circumstances. It is also important to mention that the bathrooms in Room 7 are designed without locks on either the bathroom or classroom side."

He said a full and accurate account of the events has not yet been determined and the district remains committed to gathering all necessary information to address the situation appropriately.

"We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring a
thorough, transparent, and fair investigation. Our top priority remains the safety, dignity, and well-being of every student in our care. Any actions that compromise the trust placed in us by families and the community will be addressed with decisive and appropriate measures," Curtis wrote.

"We recognize the deep concern this situation may cause for students, families, and staff, and we are committed to maintaining open lines of communication as we work toward a resolution. Please know that we will continue to uphold the highest standards of care, accountability, and student-centered practices in our schools."

Last week, it was announced that DCF cleared two Pittsfield High School administrators of misconduct: Dean of Students Molly West and Vice Principal Alison Shepard.

West and Shepard were placed on administrative leave in December in the wake of investigations by the Department of Children and Families. A couple of days before, PHS Dean Lavante Wiggins was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine.

The School Committee investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by PHS staff members began at the beginning of the year and is expected to be completed on or before March 31.

 

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