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. 

Berkshires Remember First Responders, Military Personnel Lost at 9/11 and Aftermath

By Jack Guerino & Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:30PM / Friday, September 11, 2026

North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey, with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre speaks at Friday's memorial. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The county's two cities held memorials on Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks. 

Great Barrington was scheduled to hold a dedication of piece of steel from the World Trade Center at 6 p.m.

North Adams held its ceremony in the fire station's side garden starting at exactly 8:46 a.m., the time Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower.

 

The small square of grass was packed with police officers, firefighters, wire and alarm personnel, dispatchers, and Northern Berkshire EMS employees, and city employees, officials and community members. 

 

After the ceremonial tolling of the bell, an honor guard presented the colors.

 

Mayor Jennifer Macksey said it felt odd welcoming people to a very solemn event.

 

"What happened 25 years ago put a mark on emergency services. It put additional pressure on police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers," Macksey said. "While we remember those who lost their lives during 9/11, and those who ran to help as many as they could during 9/11, we have to pause and appreciate those who continue to serve despite that awful threat that occurred 25 years ago."

 

She said it was a direct attack on the United States and all of its people.

 

"It was a question of our freedoms and our ability to be safe in our communities," the mayor said. "I can say today that here in North Adams, it could happen to us, but I know with the professionalism of our Fire Department, Police Department, EMS, and our dispatch team, we are a better community; we are a safer community than we were 25 years ago."