Franzoni Named New Brayton Principal

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John Franzoni

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Pupils at Brayton Elementary School will see a new face at the helm when they head back to school in two weeks.

But not too new.

The new Brayton principal is John R. Franzoni, who spent last couple years as assistant principal and dean of students at Greylock and Sullivan elementary school. Franzoni has also been the Drury High School girls' basketball coach since 2002.

"Mr. Franzoni is a dedicated professional with a proven track record as an administrator who, I believe, will provide consistent and supportive leadership for our Brayton community," said Superintendent of Schools James Montepare in making the announcement on Wednesday.

Franzoni, who has 23 years experience in education, replaces Principal Sarah Madden, who left after three years to become principal of R.K. Finn Ryan Road School in Northampton.



He is a 1982 honors graduate of Drury High School and earned his bachelor of science in business administration from Bryant University in 1986 and his master of education in curriculum and teaching from Fitchburg State University in 2013, graduating with honors from both universities.

He is certified as a principal and assistant principal for Grades prekindergarten through 12 and is also certified for teaching mathematics for Grades 5 through 8. Franzoni is currently completing his superintendent certification.

"For those of you who are not familiar with Mr. Franzoni, I am providing you with a listing of his experience and what he will bring to the table," wrote Montepare.

  • 2012-2013: Assistant principal at Greylock and Sullivan Elementary schools
  • 2010-2012: Dean of students at Greylock and Sullivan Elementary schools

  • 2005-2011: School district liaison to the Berkshire Juvenile Court in North Adams
  • 2005-2011: Athletic director at Drury High School


Franzoni's awards, activities and achievements include:

  • Member of the city's Park and Recreation Committee from 2006 to 2012
  • Member of the School Building Committee
  • Drury varsity girls basketball coach since 2002
  • Served on MIAA Baseball and Sportsmanship state committees
  • District G Athletic Director of the Year for 2009-2010
  • Recipient of the WBEC/TD Bank North Sports Caravan Coach of the Year for Berkshire County Sports three consecutive years - 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 - and the only coach in the 50-year history of the award to be so honored
  • Awarded the MIAA Division 2 State Sportsmanship Award in 2013

Tags: Brayton School,   principal,   

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North Adams School Panel Recommends $20M Budget That Cuts 26 Jobs

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The School Committee will be presented next week with a $20 million spending plan for fiscal 2025 that includes closing Greylock School and a reduction of 26 full-time positions. 
 
The Finance and Facilities committee is recommending the budget of $20,357,096, up $302,744 or 1.51 percent over this year. This is funded by $16,418,826 in state Chapter 70 education funds, local funding of $3,938,270 (up $100,000 over this year) and a drawdown of school funds of $575,237. 
 
The budget is up overall because of rising contractural costs, inflation and a hike in the cost of out-of-district tuition. 
 
Superintendent Barbara Malkas told the committee on Monday that assignment letters were being sent out the next day to personnel per agreement with the union of a May 1 deadline.
 
Twenty of the reductions represent members teacher's bargaining unit including a dean of students, an art teacher, music teacher, physical education teacher, school adjustment counselor and a librarian at Drury High School (who will move to teaching and be replaced by a library paraprofessional); also affected are two clerical paraprofessionals, two custodians, one maintenance, and a school nurse. The principal is being shifted to Drury's Grades 7 and 8 "on assignment" to complete her contract. 
 
"Losing 26 positions from the budget, we still have to have some funds from our school choice revolving account in order to close the budget for FY 25," said Malkas. 
 
A couple of these positions are already vacant and it is not clear how many, if any, retirements would affect the number of job losses. Malkas said there have been "rumors" of retirements but staff have been reluctant to discuss firm plans with administration.
 
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