PITTSFIELD — After a four-year hiatus from public office, longtime educator and former School Committee chair Kathy Yon is seeking a return to the Pittsfield School Committee, citing both her deep roots in the community and a renewed sense of urgency to improve morale and academic innovation across the district.
“I thought I actually retired,” Yon said during an interview with Bill Sturgeon on WTBR’s Morning Drive. “But it turns out I didn’t really retire. A lot has happened in four years, and that’s why I’m really excited about running this year.”
Yon served 12 years on the committee, eight as chair, and spent her career in education, including teaching honors and intensive level classes at Pittsfield High. Since leaving office, she has also worked with underserved populations through Project Reconnect and served on the Youth Council of Berkshire Works.
One of her primary concerns now is the restructuring of the city’s middle schools, particularly the shift toward hands-on, project-based learning. She praised the possibility of a new school on the Crosby Elementary site and highlighted how the two city middle schools could be considered for adding more vocational programming, such as carpentry and welding.
“For some of these kids, it really is the only way to go,” she said. “They need something hands-on. The new books are even designed to show how what they’re learning applies to future trades. That’s so important. Every student wants to know: ‘Why are we learning this?’”
But Yon also expressed deep concern about low staff morale in Pittsfield’s public schools, linking it to broader public perceptions.
“I think morale is quite low. Maybe because there’s a negative view of the Pittsfield Public Schools out there,” Yon said. “That’s one of the major reasons I wanted to run… if I could be part of that foundation that can put together something we can all be proud of.”
She pointed to initiatives like the “Portrait of a Graduate” from BERK12, which she said “nearly got a standing ovation” at a School Committee meeting. “People don’t know what’s going on,” Yon added, urging more community engagement and even encouraging residents to visit classrooms before forming opinions.
On the challenge of staff retention and licensure, Yon acknowledged ongoing efforts by school personnel director Anne Marie Carpenter to meet with teachers and ensure compliance. “One-on-one conversations… that’s what’s so lacking,” she said, praising Carpenter’s work as “a gift and a blessing to the school system.”
Budget uncertainties remain a concern as well. “We don’t even know what budgets we’re going to have,” Yon noted. “But we have to make our priorities right.”
Reflecting on the most rewarding part of public service, Yon said, “To represent the Pittsfield Public Schools at graduation — that’s the proudest moment of my life… That gives you such hope.”
In closing, Yon asked voters to support her because she brings “dedication, passion, honesty, and civility” to the role.
“There is no place for rancor and bitterness in our discussions,” she said. “I believe in civil discourse, and I think we have a lot to be proud of.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the October 13, 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=54114. 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.
