PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vicky Smith, an educator with international and domestic experience, is seeking re-election to the Pittsfield School Committee after a two-year hiatus, emphasizing a renewed commitment to the district’s mission and a collaborative approach to educational reform.
Speaking on WTBR’s “Morning Drive” with host Bill Sturgeon, Smith explained that her decision to run again stems from her connection to the school district’s mission, which emphasizes equity, collaboration, and student success. “The components of that mission really resonate with a lifelong desire I’ve had in education,” Smith said. “Making sure all students thrive and working together to make a more equitable world.”
Smith, who has taught and led schools in three countries, including Saudi Arabia and El Salvador, said she brings a broad and unique perspective to the role. “I was a teacher, a principal, a consultant. I tried all different angles,” she noted. Her passion for inclusive education dates back to her early school years: “I wanted to be the kind of student that was accepted for my differences and not constantly tried to be suppressed.”
Among the challenges Smith sees ahead are rebuilding trust and fostering a positive school culture. “There’s a lot of healing that needs to take place,” she said, citing support for restorative practices and student engagement as priorities. “It’s…that culture of equality with students… listening to them, respecting their talents and interests in a way that builds their potential.”
Smith praised the district’s new superintendent for her collaborative approach and expressed optimism about a cultural shift in Pittsfield schools. She emphasized that change must come from shared effort: “The magic comes from when we work together.”
She also expressed concern about limitations on school committee members’ access to schools, describing it as a barrier to transparency. “There was some policy where I couldn’t go to a school without being supervised,” Smith said, arguing that firsthand observation is vital to informed governance.
On emerging issues such as artificial intelligence in education, Smith advocated a balanced approach. “I am committed to evolving with it and not automatically resisting it,” she said, while underscoring the irreplaceable role of human teachers. “True teachers that connect heart to heart with students can never, ever be replaced.”
Reflecting on her previous term, Smith admitted challenges in navigating policy discussions and at times feeling that her voice wasn’t fully heard. Still, she believes she has grown in her ability to listen and collaborate. “I will take full credit for being overly critical for too many years of saying, hey, we could do this better. Let’s do this. Instead of really sitting with people and listening, why are things the way they are? And how can we work together to make them better?”
For Smith, the most rewarding part of the role is interacting with students and implementing their ideas. “I’m really, really excited,” she said, noting her efforts to encourage student representation on the committee. In closing, Smith told host Sturgeon, “I tell people I’m not about trying to promote myself. I’m here as you are, to promote being informed citizens and voting for who you think will best move this district forward. It doesn’t have to be me…I just want this district to thrive for our students. So every student thrives.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the October 7, 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=54070. 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.
