Pittsfield High School Faces Scandal Amid Cocaine Trafficking Charges
Pittsfield, MA — The recent federal charges against Lavante Wiggins, the dean of students at Pittsfield High School, have ignited a serious scandal, leading to multiple allegations of misconduct among staff members. The intense scrutiny began after Wiggins was accused of high-scale cocaine trafficking, prompting an independent investigation into the school’s environment.
Criticism ensued over the school committee’s handling of the situation, particularly regarding the lack of transparency. Chair Dr. William Cameron faced backlash for opting to release only a summary of the investigation rather than its full findings. This decision sparked outcry from parents and community members, especially when the investigation’s deadline of March 31 passed without resolution.
Amidst the turmoil, at least one previously placed-on-leave administrator has returned to work after being cleared, causing further unease among parents and students. Recently, the Massachusetts Public Records Supervisor mandated the school district to release a redacted version of the investigation reports, following a local parent’s appeal against the district’s attempts to withhold information.
Ciara Batory, a concerned parent with children in the district, spoke directly to the school committee, emphasizing the community’s right to the truth. "Withholding that report… is not only unethical, it’s unlawful," she declared. Batory criticized the district for prioritizing damage control over transparency, arguing that confidentiality around misconduct undermines public trust.
In response to the mounting pressure, Dr. Cameron announced that summaries from the investigating firm, Bulkley Richardson & Gelinas, were anticipated soon. This comes as Superintendent Joseph Curtis resigned, effective June 30, following significant criticism of his leadership during the crisis. The committee is now focused on filling his role by July. As the community awaits clarity, the demand for accountability continues to grow.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
