Pittsfield school committee approves union contract, continued leave for administrators

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Sexual Abuse prevention discussion held in light of allegations

This comes after recent scandals at Pittsfield High School.

The Pittsfield School Committee held a joint meeting Wednesday night with the Pittsfield City Council.

Before the joint session the school committee voted to approve a new contract between the school and the union that represents school administrators.

At Wednesday night’s joint session an organization spoke that strives to prevent child sex abuse. The organization is called Enough Abuse and wants to educate all Pittsfield School Employees and junior and high school students on child sex abuse and prevention.

Their presentation was approved “to file” by both boards, meaning it will be discussed at a later date.

Three Pittsfield High School administrators remain on paid administrative leave following an investigation into multiple allegations. One of those administrators, Lavante Wiggins, was a dean of students. Wiggins was arrested for allegedly having a cocaine ring.

In a separate incident, a student is suing her former high school English teacher, Robert Barsanti, for sexual harassment.

Soon a second investigation waiting to be approved will look at the hiring practices at Pittsfield High School.

Both investigations will cost city schools thousands of dollars and are expected to be completed in the next two months.