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.

Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
07:25AM / Sunday, March 15, 2026

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fulling funding rural school aid. 

 

The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.

 

"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.

 

A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 

 

Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 

 

Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 

 

They will submit those with a school picture to the governor.