NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Superintendent of Schools Barbara Malkas has been recognized by her peers for her professional accomplishment and her advocacy for students. 

 

Malkas was presented with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' 2019 President's Award at the association's May conference. 

 

A member of the MASS executive committee, she has been an educator for more than 32 years in the roles of science teacher, school administrator, district administrator, deputy superintendent, and superintendent. She has been superintendent of the North Adams Public Schools for three years and of the Webster Public Schools for the previous four years.  

 

She was selected for the award because in each of her districts and roles, she has strived to improve the quality of education for all students, particularly those representing underserved populations. As a MASS committee member, she consistently advocates for the unique needs of students in Western Massachusetts. She also served as the Berkshire County representative to the Superintendents Advisory Council, often reminding the commissioner in a clear and professional manner of the unique conditions in Berkshire County.

 

Her own experiences in education contribute to her belief that education is the key to lifelong satisfaction and meaning. She said she is forever grateful to those early teachers in her own life who encouraged and assured her that it was OK to be the "smart girl," even in the 1960s and '70s.

 

Malkas completed the New Superintendents Induction Program in 2015. She made an important contribution to this Program through her well-developed strategy for the district, her thoughtful presentation of Problems of Practice and her strong commitment to the importance of the leadership team.

 

In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is the board president of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through education, research advocacy and changes to public policy. Through her involvement with this organization the "Let's Talk Prevention: Actions You Can Take" environmental education program was designed with four high school modules and a middle and elementary grades modules are in development.