McCann Recognized for Female Student Participation in AP Computer Science

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
02:24AM / Monday, April 22, 2019Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School has earned a First College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award.

The school was notified of the award last month it was being recognized for the high female representation in AP Computer Science Courses.

"We really weren't expecting this. It just happened organically that we had the right female enrollment and female success in that program," Principal Justin Kratz said on Thursday. "So we're very pleased to hear about it ... and we are very proud."

Eligible schools must have either 50 percent or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or a percentage of the female computer science students that meet or exceed that of the schools female population.

"By inviting many more young women to advanced computer science classrooms, McCann

Tech has taken a significant step toward preparing all students for the widest range of 21st-century opportunities," said Trevor Packer, College Board senior vice president of the AP Program in the state announcing the award. "We hope this inspires many other high schools to engage more female students in AP Computer Science and prepare them to drive innovation."

Only 490 schools out some 18,000 worldwide earned the award for AP Computer Science Principles. Kratz said he didn't realize how ahead of the curve McCann was.

"That is the culture of our building and we really push all of our students to explore whatever interests they have," he said. "We want to give our students as many opportunities to find out what they're most interested in and where their passions lie.

AP Computer Science Principles has promoted the growth of AP computer science in high

schools. Participation had increased 135 percent since 2016 and the number of female, rural, and underrepresented minority students taking AP computer science exams has more than doubled in that period.

The goal is to encourage gender-parity science, technology, engineering and math and create a pathway to high-paying jobs, innovation and competition. The AP Board cites UNESCO's Institute of Statistics data that show less than 30 percent of the world's researchers are women; in North America and Western Europe, it's just 32 percent. Women are more likely to pursue computer science if they're given the opportunity to explore it in high school, according to research.

Kratz said the recognition gives the school more clout and shows incoming students that McCann encourages students to study whatever they want.

"It breaks down those barriers because these careers are not just for men," he said. "We have women in these programs, and they've done really well. So I think it helps us with our future enrollment...We don't pigeonhole any of our kids into certain areas."

Tags: academic award, AP course, computer science,

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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