Police Called for Conflict at Drury

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Updated with clarifications on Tuesday at 9:57 a.m.
 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — School officials say a police presence at Drury High School on Monday morning was related to a "verbal confrontation" between students stemming from an "incident" over the weekend. 
 
The high and middle school went into lockdown for a brief period as police and school administrators dealt with the problem. 
 
Superintendent Timothy Callahan provided the public schools' official statement, which was sent out to the school community.
 
On Tuesday, he said "It was an escalated verbal conflict, and staff intervened to ensure that it did not become a fight." He clarified there was no weapon brandished, a rumor that was circulating on Facebook. 
 
The statement on Monday did not detail the root of the conflict but said there will be consequences to the students' behavior
 
Good Morning Drury Staff, Students, and Families,
An incident in the community over the weekend led to a conflict prior to the start of school at Drury High School this morning between two or more high school students. School staff called for a "stay put" and then a brief "lockdown" to ensure that the confict was contained and addressed promptly. The North Adams Police also arrived on the scene to ensure the safety of everyone in the school.
 
School leaders will provide consequences to students involved in the conflict as outlined in our district-wide Code of Conduct, Character, and Support and also provide regular support for students to build pro-social behaviors and minimize incidents of verbal and physical escalation.
 
Unsafe actions will not be tolerated in our buildings, and we appreciate your support in ensuring that our focus can remain on classroom teaching and learning.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

 

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