image description — Moulton was recognized by Superintendent Timothy Callahan during a Drury High School faculty meeting.

Emily Moulton Named NAPS Marion B. Kelley Teacher of the Year

Staff Reports 12:31PM / Wednesday, June 24, 2026Print Story | Email Story

Moulton was presented with a commemorative certificate and a gift certificate for $200 for school classroom supplies.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — North Adams Public Schools announced and honors this year's recipient of the Marion B. Kelley Teacher of the Year award, Ms. Emily Moulton.

On Tuesday, June 16, Moulton was recognized by Superintendent Timothy Callahan during a Drury High School faculty meeting. She was presented with a commemorative certificate and a gift certificate for $200 for school classroom supplies.

This award, named in honor of Marion B. Kelley, a former North Adams teacher and principal, is presented to teachers in recognition of their dedicated, skillful teaching, understanding of children, and exemplification of the "ideal" teacher, stated a press release.

Mrs. Kelley taught in the North Adams school system from 1929 until 1936 when she married and had to leave the school system because state law prohibited married women from teaching. She rejoined the school system as a teacher in 1945 and retired in 1978 as principal of Haskins and Johnson schools.

Moulton holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from MCLA and a Masters in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. A Drury High School graduate, Moulton was hired as a Special Education Teacher at Drury in September of 2021. In addition to teaching, Moulton has participated in grant-funded teams, basketball coaching, and after-school and summer leadership roles.

During the 2025-2026 school year, Moulton launched a new Special Education Transition program at Drury, and according to one colleague:

"she has made amazing strides with the students. She maintains high expectations for every student while pairing those expectations with equally high levels of support."

Other colleagues who nominated Ms. Moulton for the award stated that she is a "a true team player" who is "proactive, collaborative, and consistently positive."

Another colleague noted that she: "brings passion, light, and so much love to our halls."

Another colleague said: "Drury is a better place because of the work [Moulton] does every single day."

Tags: Drury High, NAPS, teacher of the year,

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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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