PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ciara Batory, a candidate for the Pittsfield School Committee, is calling for greater transparency, improved school safety, and better communication between district leaders and families as she makes her first run for elected office.
Appearing on WTBR’s Morning Drive with host Bill Sturgeon, Batory said her decision to run stems from deep concern about recent events in the school district and a desire to advocate for students and families. “Our kids deserve safe schools, supported teachers, and real transparency,” she said. “I believe if we put kids first, listen to families, and restore trust, Pittsfield schools can truly thrive.”
Batory said she hopes to bring the perspective of a parent directly affected by school policies. “I have one child in elementary school, one heading to middle school, and eventually I’ll have one in high school. Being a parent gives me a window into all levels of the system,” she explained.
Citing this year’s “chaotic” developments in the schools, Batory said there’s a widespread feeling among families, educators, and taxpayers that they are not being heard. “Everything that’s happened in our schools this year was a little bit chaotic,” she said. “Families, teachers, and taxpayers — they don’t feel heard or informed.”
One major point of contention for Batory has been the district’s handling of a taxpayer-funded report on misconduct at Pittsfield High School. “We just wasted $155,000 on a report that nobody was able to read,” she said. “Taxpayers need to see where the money goes, and it should go to the kids in the classrooms first.”
On the topic of middle school grade restructuring, Batory said she recognizes both benefits and drawbacks. “Logistically, it does seem kind of like a nightmare,” she admitted. “But it obviously works out in other districts and it could work here — as long as we make sure everyone can get to school and kids can settle into a new routine.” She stressed that changes should be accompanied by honest communication with families.
When asked about school safety, Batory emphasized that “every student deserves to feel safe” and that parents need to be fully informed about incidents in schools. “I was hearing terrible things this year,” she said. “I would wake up in the middle of the night petrified, thinking, ‘What is going on?’ I just want to know what’s happening in the schools. I give you three of my kids — they’re my world. If something happens, I need to know.”
Batory described difficulties getting information from the current school leadership, noting that when she submitted requests for documents or answers, “it was like pulling teeth.” Her frustration reached a peak when a state-mandated release of a Department of Children and Families report was ignored. “I went to a school committee meeting and said, ‘Hey, I have a state mandate — you have to release this report.’ And they still didn’t,” she said. “That made me really scared. What is in this that you won’t even follow a direct order from the state?”
Batory also expressed strong support for practical, student-centered efforts like the “care closet” at Capeless Elementary School, which provides cold-weather gear and essentials. “It’s so sweet and awesome,” she said. “If every school did something similar, it would really make a difference.”
Asked about the role of cell phones in the classroom, she said it should ultimately be up to the teacher. “Sometimes you can use your phone as a computer and it can help with schoolwork,” she said, “but most of the time it is a distraction.”
Batory acknowledged that if elected, she would be entering unfamiliar territory. “I’m kind of the underdog,” she said. “Even just to get elected would be huge for me. I would be so honored.” When asked whether she would serve as an officer or committee chair, she admitted, “That’s not even a thought in my mind right now.”
Though new to politics, Batory said she is ready to put in the time and effort required for the role. “This is something I’d probably look into anyways,” she said. “I want my kids to walk into school and feel safe. And I want every kid to feel that way. I know it’s not going to be easy, and I know not everyone’s going to love me. But I am going to do my best.”
In her closing remarks, Batory urged residents to participate in the local election. “Just vote — even if it’s not for me,” she said. “Pittsfield’s future depends on the choices we’re making. I’m not a politician. I’m a mom, a neighbor, and an advocate. And I’ll always put our kids first.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the October 6, 2025 broadcast of WTBR’s “Morning Drive” and was written in part using ChatGPT. To view the entire program, visit https://pittsfieldtv.org/program/?id=54051. WTBR’s “Morning Drive” airs weekdays at 7:30 a.m. on 89.7 FM in Pittsfield and 88.1 in Lee; and is simulcast on Access Pittsfield channel 1301. The full interview is available to view through PCTV Select.
