Letter: Ciolkowski Withdraws from North Adams School Committee Race

To the Editor:

My name is Chelsey Lyn Ciolkowski and I am on the 2025 ballot as a candidate for the North Adams School Committee. As a mom with children in the North Adams Public Schools, as a former educator and social worker, I have a very deep interest in our schools, our kids and our families.

Several months ago, I decided to run for a seat on the School Committee. I took out and filed my papers and my name was placed on the ballot. Several weeks later, a job within the district as a school adjustment counselor was posted and I applied. That decision was made with much thought around what was best for me and my family … and a way that I could very directly serve the system.

I interviewed, was offered the position and I very humbly and with great excitement accepted.

As I am now an employee of the district, I must withdraw from the election which will be held on Nov. 4. I truly apologize for putting the voters and the city in this position but my withdrawal is necessary for obvious reasons. I want to thank all of those who supported me and all those who might have voted for me. I assure you that I am pouring and will continue to pour my heart and soul into the school adjustment counselor position to support all the children and families of North Adams Public Schools.

Please remember that on election day, while my name is on the ballot, I am officially withdrawing from the race. Please do not vote for me. I wish all those on the ballot good luck and much success.

Chelsey Ciolkowski
North Adams, Mass. 

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:20AM / Wednesday, July 29, 2026

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 Monday 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.