PITTSFIELD â The United Educators of Pittsfield is criticizing the School Committeeâs decision to approve a one-year commitment to a virtual academy, and with it is suspending talks over a new contract. âAs we emerge from the crisis created by the pandemic, the School Committee is creating an unnecessary crisis in our schools by not settling a fair contract with its educators,â said UEP President Melissa Campbell in a statement. âThe biggest threat [to] the long-term future of our public schools is not the lack of a virtual academy, it is the lack of contract that will allow Pittsfield to attract and retain quality educators.â