PITTSFIELD, Mass. — In her first run for public office, longtime educator and Pittsfield native Sarah Muil is bringing decades of early childhood education experience to her campaign for a seat on the Pittsfield School Committee. In an interview on WTBR’s Morning Drive with host Bill Sturgeon, Muil stressed the importance of rebuilding trust with families and creating more transparent, inclusive decision-making processes in the city’s schools.
“Building back trust with families is huge,” Muil said. “People are feeling let down a little bit. We need to involve families more in conversations… maybe even try more engagement out in the neighborhoods, in the communities.”
Muil, who is currently the director of the Austen Riggs Nursery School in Stockbridge and serves on the board of Berkshire County Head Start, spoke about her deep roots in the community. A product of the Pittsfield Public Schools herself, she raised four children who all attended local schools, and she’s worked in education throughout the Berkshires. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from Boston College.
She said her decision to run for the School Committee was inspired in part by her role on a recent middle school restructuring committee. The group studied why families are leaving the district and recommended systemic changes.
“We were trying to be solutions-based,” she said. “We surveyed families, staff, and even the kids. I’m also a parent of children that left the district… I want to see this [work] through.”
Muil acknowledged concerns from parents about middle school challenges and curriculum quality but emphasized the dedication of local educators. “We have so many dedicated teachers and staff in Pittsfield,” she said. “We need to celebrate that more.”
One major issue Muil identified was chronic absenteeism. She urged compassion and deeper understanding for students’ home situations. “You have to appreciate what’s happening in the lives of these kiddos at home,” she said, noting the importance of welcoming school environments and wraparound supports like school adjustment counselors.
Muil also weighed in on the district’s cell phone policy. While she personally supports the current “bell-to-bell” phone restriction, she acknowledged concerns about safety. “The only reason that gives me pause is school shootings,” she said. “I understand why some parents want their child to have a phone in those situations.”
If elected, Muil said she would be open to taking on leadership roles. “If people support me… I would be willing to give it a go,” she said. “People will have to step up and do the work.”
Ultimately, Muil said her motivation stems from a lifetime of service. “My heart is with families and children and community,” she said. “This is just a way to give back.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the October 8, 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=54073. 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.
