Press Release: 4/15/2026
Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Universal Pre-k, Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction in Pittsfield During 413 Day
Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Highlights Universal Pre-k, Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction in Pittsfield During 413 Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
4/14/2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator
Phone
Call Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator at 617-895-6556
Online
Email Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator at Jason.Law@Mass.gov
PITTSFIELD — As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s celebration of 413 Day, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw and Elementary and Secondary Education Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo visited the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires in Pittsfield yesterday to highlight how Governor Maura Healey’s Gateway to Pre-k agenda and Literacy Launch initiative are expanding access to affordable high-quality preschool and evidence based early literacy instruction in local communities.
During the visit, administration officials joined classroom activities, interacted with young learners, and spoke with Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti, Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips and community-based preschool programs about the successes and challenges of expanding access to high-quality preschool opportunities, including early literacy curriculum.
“It was wonderful to be at the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires to see how the administration’s investments are expanding access to high-quality pre-k, including access to evidence-based early literacy instruction. The Pittsfield community is a model of how school districts and community-based preschools can work together to level the playing field for kindergarten readiness,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike.
“Yesterday we were able to visit one of our communities early education centers, highlighting the importance of education programming for some of our youngest learners,” said Mayor Peter Marchetti. “Every child deserves to have the same foundation either the necessary skills to succeed. I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support for early childhood education.”
"I always like to welcome cabinet members to meet with people doing the work on the ground,” said State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "That Secretary Zrike made Pittsfield one of the very first communities he visited says a great deal of his intention to serve the entire commonwealth. He and Commissioner Kershaw desire to understand the needs of a Gateway City in a rural county far from Boston will make a difference for our students."
The Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires is part of Pittsfield’s Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI). CPPI, a key component of Gateway to Pre-K, supports partnerships between public school districts and community-based early education providers to create more inclusive, coordinated preschool systems. Through these collaborations, CPPI aims to strengthen school readiness, close opportunity gaps, and ensure that every child in Massachusetts has the foundation needed for future success.
Pittsfield’s CPPI partnership includes the Pittsfield Public Schools, Berkshire County Head Start, 18 Degrees, the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, Kid Zone, the Gladys Allen Brigham Center, Morningside Community School, and Williams Elementary School. Together, nine classrooms are serving 131 children in their first year of the grant, marking an exciting launch into early implementation and collaborative planning that strengthens early learning opportunities across the community.
“During our visit to Pittsfield, it was clear how strong collaboration across agencies and community partners is driving real progress for families,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “The CPPI model is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can expand access to high-quality preschool while meeting the unique needs of local families, and Pittsfield’s commitment to this work shows what’s possible when communities come together with a shared vision.”
“The partnership with the Pittsfield Public Schools, through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), has been a game changer for children 3 & 4 years old,” said Joe McGovern, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires. “It has increased equitable availability, provided new curriculum, purchased much needed supplies and offered staff trainings all to improve the quality of education for our children.”
In addition to CPPI, Pittsfield is a recipient of the administration’s Partnership for Reading Success - Massachusetts (PRISM) II grant, funded through Literacy Launch. This grant supports school districts, in partnership with CPPI participating community-based preschools, with implementing newly selected English language arts materials or engaging in a structured curriculum evaluation and selection process. These efforts strengthen early literacy instruction, helping equip students with the reading and writing skills necessary for academic success and lifelong learning. The Pittsfield School District and several CPPI partners are rolling out new early literacy instruction this week, including at the Boys & Girls Club.
“I'm grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to high-quality early literacy instruction starting in preschool,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “We stand ready to continue supporting districts and partnerships by providing professional development, ongoing technical assistance, and grants through the Literacy Launch initiative.”
“It was a privilege to host Secretary Zrike, Commissioner Kershaw and Deputy Commissioner Woo in Pittsfield for a CPPI visit as part of 413 Day. Their time here reinforced the critical role that early childhood partnerships play in setting students up for long-term success. Through community collaboration, we are working to define and support kindergarten readiness across a mixed-delivery system so that all children, regardless of where they receive early education, arrive ready to learn and thrive. We are grateful for the recognition of the impactful work happening in our community and the ways our educators and community partners across early learning settings are working together to support children and families, ensuring strong early learning foundations for our children,” said Pittsfield Interim Superintendent Dr. Latifah Phillips.
Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $32 million for CPPI to meet the Governor’s goal of delivering universal, high-quality preschool funding for four-year-olds in all Gateway Cities by the end of 2026. That is an $11.5 million increase over current program funding. Her budget also includes $25 million for the third year of Literacy Launch.