Letter: Macksey Is Doing the Work

To the Editor:

My career in public education spans over 32 years, including 18 years at the district office and 13 years as superintendent of schools for two communities. In that time, I have worked with several municipal leaders and each has brought their knowledge, expertise, and experience to the role of mayor. Because the education department is often the main agency connecting vulnerable families with services, schools serve a vital role in providing for the physical safety and emotional well-being of the children in the community.

The quality of education in a community impacts economic development and infrastructure, making the school
system important to all community stakeholders.

When Jennifer A. Macksey first became mayor for the city of North Adams, I must admit to initial apprehension of developing a working relationship with her. She was a longtime resident of the city and had served as a business official for a neighboring district in addition to her experience in municipal finance and higher education. Through her commitment to public education, I have found that Mayor Macksey is truly a collaborative educator at heart and her
passion to improve the opportunities and outcomes for children comes from a deep commitment to her city.

Mayor Macksey is an action-oriented woman who willingly interfaces with every stakeholder with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Whether the issue was closing achievement gaps in a post-pandemic era, engaging with the community regarding facilities use, or providing one-on-one support for a struggling student, this mayor was actively engaged in decision-making and advocacy.

Administrators, teachers, and support staff feel heard, seen, and appreciated in negotiations, discussing contentious issues, or dealing with a crisis.

Despite the rhetoric and tactics of many political figures today, she is not given to the high drama, hyperbole, and disinformation as a campaign strategy. Mayor Macksey speaks clearly and directly, but does not make remarks with the intent of scoring points. She stands by her word.

I am proud of all that has been accomplished and continues to be accomplished each day in every classroom of the North Adams Public Schools with her leadership. I hope that the voters recognize the added value of Mayor Jennifer A. Macksey and re-elect her to continue doing the demanding work necessary for her city, because that is what she has been doing for North Adams. She is doing the work.

Barbara Malkas
Clarksburg, Mass.

Malkas is retired superintendent
of the North Adams Public Schools.

MCLA Announces Four Finalists for Next President

03:46PM / Thursday, April 02, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts announced four finalists for the position of president, following a national search. 

 

The finalists were selected by the MCLA Presidential Search Committee and will participate in on-campus visits scheduled for the weeks of April 6 and April 13.

 

The successful candidate will replace President James Birge, who is retiring at the end of the term. 

 

The four finalists are David Jenemann, Michael J. Middleton, Sherri Givens Mylott, and Diana L. Rogers-Adkinson.

 

David Jenemann

David Jenemann is dean of the Patrick Leahy Honors College and professor of English and film and television studies at the University of Vermont, where he oversees recruitment, retention, curricular innovation, and advancement for an interdisciplinary college serving undergraduates from across the university, including UVM's campuswide Office of Fellowships, Opportunities, and Undergraduate Research. 

 

An internationally recognized scholar, he has published three books and numerous articles, with research spanning intellectual and cultural history, mass media, and the intersection of sports and society.

He holds a doctor of philosophy from the University of Minnesota and completed the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education.