NORTH ADAMS — Herberg Middle School Principal Michael Taber, who announced he’s leaving the post at the end of this school year, has accepted a position as an assistant principal at McCann Technical School.

Herberg Middle School Principal Michael Taber, seen on the first day of the school year, is stepping down from the position just as the district prepares to launch its middle school restructuring. He is joining McCann High School as as assistant principal.

Taber and Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational School District Superintendent James Brosnan both said Wednesday that Taber, a veteran teacher and administrator, would be joining the McCann Tech staff.

Taber has career technical education experience. He worked as an assistant principal at Taconic High School before returning to Herberg on short notice last fall. Like Taconic, McCann has seen its career technical programs grow in popularity.

“We looked at his level of experience, his professionalism, his personality and his ability to work with people. It was just an outstanding pleasure to be able to say to him, ‘Please, join the McCann team,’ and we’re pleased that Mike accepted,” Brosnan said.

In a letter to Herberg families last week, Taber said he was stepping down for another position due to health concerns and a desire to spend more time with his family.

Tuesday, interim Pittsfield Superintendent Latifah Phillips said finding Herberg a principal is a top priority. Herberg is transitioning from a sixth, seventh and eighth grade middle school next year to a city-wide lower middle school for Grades 5 and 6, while Reid Middle School will transition to host seventh and eighth grade students.

Taber was set to spend the 2025-26 school year as Pittsfield's interim director of alternative education before Ian Brown, who had been hired as Herberg’s principal, was placed on administrative leave. Taber was asked to take over in the interim two days before school started, and was officially named principal on the first day of class, when Brown resigned.

Taber spent five years at Herberg as a teacher and 10 years as dean of students before serving four years as an assistant principal at Taconic. Phillips credited Taber for stepping into the Herberg role on the fly and providing stability at a key moment.

A search committee including Herberg families and staff is being formed, and interviews are expected to take place on June 23.

The Pittsfield Public Schools will replace four principals, including Taber, for the 2026-27 school year.