Additional Stearns Staffers on Leave Amid 'De-escalation' AllegationsBy Brittany Polito, iBerkshires Staff
02:53PM / Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | |
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PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Additional Stearns Elementary School staff members have been placed on leave amid allegations of using a bathroom to "de-escalate" students.
On Monday, Principal Sara Luciani notified the school community "as our investigation continues and new information has been obtained, additional paraprofessionals assigned to Room 1 have been placed on administrative leave, effective Friday, March 7, 2025."
The Department of Children and Families and Pittsfield Public Schools are investigating, and the district is reviewing its protocols for de-escalation strategies.
Last week, Superintendent Joseph Curtis reported that on Feb. 26, Luciani received an allegation that Room 7 and Room 1 staff members 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."
At the time, the district had no information indicating that staff rooms other than Rooms 1 and 7 were involved in this practice.
Luciani said on Monday that a full and accurate account of the events has not yet been determined because the investigations are ongoing.
"We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and are committed to ensuring a thorough, transparent, and fair investigation," she wrote.
She reported that the administration will be conducting a staff meeting that day to provide a "thorough review" of district protocols regarding de-escalation strategies.
"This meeting is intended for all paraprofessional and teaching staff, ensuring that everyone is well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and best practices to handle challenging situations effectively and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all
students," Luciani wrote.
If any parents or students in these rooms have not yet spoken to the district and wish for their child to participate in interviews, contact Christine Macros, director of social emotional
learning and student support, at cmacros@pittsfield.net.
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