PITTSFIELD — After nearly three decades on the Pittsfield School Committee, Daniel Elias says he still feels driven to serve — particularly as the district faces what he calls some of its most significant structural changes in years.
“I still enjoy doing it,” Elias told WTBR’s Morning Drive host Bill Sturgeon during a 30-minute interview. “There’s always a number of different objectives and things that I like to see through. I’ve been doing this for 28 years, and I’m still very committed.”
Elias is the only incumbent running for re-election this cycle following what he described as a “tumultuous year” that saw several of his colleagues step down. “It would have been a good time to go when everyone else is going,” he admitted. “But I think it’s important to have someone still there that has the knowledge and the experience of the past few decades.”
That experience, Elias said, is especially critical as the committee prepares to take on major challenges — foremost among them, the proposed restructuring of the middle schools and the potential construction of a new school building. “The middle school restructuring plan and the potential building of a new school… those are two real big-ticket items,” Elias said. “They’re going to require a lot of attention.”
Elias said that while the district has faced challenges at Reid Middle School for years, some of those same issues are now appearing at Herberg. “Despite all their efforts, they’re struggling,” he said of Reid. “You can only get to a certain point, and it becomes an unattainable goal.” The restructuring, he believes, is an opportunity to provide specialized programs, introduce vocational pathways, and reduce behavioral issues that arise from the current 6th-to-8th-grade configuration.
Elias credited the school district’s new superintendent, Latifah Phillips, for continuing to advance the restructuring effort initiated by former Superintendent Joe Curtis. “She came to the same conclusion that this is something that really needs to be done right,” Elias said. “That reassured me that we were on the right path.”
However, he emphasized that community buy-in is essential: “There has to be a buy-in from the public — even if they’re not agreeing completely — or it will fail.”
Elias also raised concern over two broader challenges: teacher retention and student discipline. He stressed the need for transparency in the restructuring process, including possible school-by-school forums and media outreach to inform and involve the public.
In discussing his continued candidacy, Elias described his role on the committee as one of independence and accessibility. “I always speak my mind… I stay friendly with everyone, and when I differ with them, I differ with respect,” he said. “I’ve never wanted to be or accepted being the chair because I want to stay independent.”
Asked what keeps him going after nearly 30 years, Elias responded, “It’s in addressing people’s concerns — getting answers for them, trying to help. That makes me feel like I had, in some small way, a part for the better.”
He closed the interview with a message to voters: “I ask for one of the six votes. I run all year long — I’m visible, I’m committed, and I bring 28 years of experience that I think is important.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the October 20, 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=54183. 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.
