North Adams School Administrator to Lead Sutton School District

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
07:20PM / Tuesday, May 03, 2022Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Sutton School District offered the position of superintendent on Monday night to Kimberly Roberts-Morandi, assistant superintendent in the North Adams Public Schools.

Roberts-Morandi was one of four finalists to lead the 1,200-student K-12 district in the south central part of the state. She had her interview with the School Committee on Thursday.

"I am excited to be entering into negotiations for the Sutton superintendency," Roberts-Morandi said on Tuesday. "This is a community that is strong in support of their schools, which have a history of academic and civic success. My years in educational leadership, and especially those under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Malkas and within the community of North Adams, have provided me with experiences and the confidence to take this next step in my service to others."

She has been with the North Adams schools as director of curriculum, instruction and assessment since 2016, when then new Superintendent Barbara Malkas brought her on board as part of her new team. She was elevated to assistant superintendent several years ago.

Roberts-Morandi was a principal at the former Adams Memorial Middle School and, after its closing, became a data specialist with the state's Berkshire District and School Assistance Center. She has been an adjunct instructor with Massachusetts College of Liberal Art's Leadership Academy and a team leader with SchoolWorks, which provides consulting for underperforming schools. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from MCLA and her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of New England.

The Millbury-Sutton Chronicle reported that Sutton School Committee Chairman Bruce Edwards had visited North Adams and found that Roberts-Morandi was a problem-solver with extensive experience in writing grants and overseeing grants.

The committee members voted their top candidates and then voted for Roberts-Morandi as their choice.

Her start date is July 1, pending contract negotiations. Sutton began its search for a new superintendent in January; the current superintendent of 12 years, Theodore Friend, announced in November 2021 his decision to retire on Aug. 1.

Tags: NAPS, school administrator,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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."

View Full Story