Callahan Named Finalist for North Adams Superintendent

Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Superintendent Search Committee has put forward one candidate to lead the public schools: Assistant Superintendent Timothy Callahan.
 
The School Committee on Monday morning said Callahan, former principal of Drury High School, will be interviewed publicly at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, in the City Council Chambers. The session will be broadcast on Northern Berkshire Community Television. 
 
Should the committee approve, he will succeed Barbara Malkas, who is retiring this June after nine years as superintendent. 
 
Callahan has worked in the North Adams Public Schools for 27 years, holding multiple positions. This has included teaching English at Drury, director of curriculum and instruction and assistant principal, and more recently director of technology for the district and, since 2022, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment. 
 
According to a statement from the School Committee, Callahan was selected as the leading choice after an extensive national search and careful consideration of numerous qualified candidates. The district received applications and the search committee conducted five Zoom interviews. 
 
He received his bachelor of arts in English literature from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., a master of education from Cambridge College, and a doctorate of education in educational leadership from Russell Sage College in Troy, N.Y. His core values include equity, creativity, and collaboration, and he believes in setting high expectations for students while providing them with high levels of support.
 
During the public session next week, Callahan will be interviewed by the committee members as part of the final
evaluation process. The meeting will also be accessible via Zoom video conference and the link will be posted as part of the public meeting announcement.
 
While the committee will not hold a "hearing of visitors" during this meeting, students, faculty, staff, families, and community members are encouraged to submit their questions ahead of time via a Google form here. Questions must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 17, to be included for consideration.

Tags: search committee,   superintendent,   

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

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
 
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
 
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
 
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 
 
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
 
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
 
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories