NORTH ADAMS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF EARLY COLLEGE COORDINATOR POSITIONNORTH ADAMS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF EARLY COLLEGE COORDINATOR POSITION
North Adams Public Schools (NAPS) announces an addition to the leadership and program coordination at Drury High School as Kate Cyr assumes an expanded, year‑round role overseeing Early College and Workforce Learning initiatives. In this expanded role, Ms. Cyr will continue coordinating the Drury‑MCLA Early College Program and will take on many of the responsibilities of the Workforce Development Coordinator, a role previously held by Mike Boland, who is transitioning to a consulting role.
As of December 2nd, Ms. Cyr now serves as the in‑building contact for all Early College and Workforce Learning matters, including program information, student supports, and connections to internships and employer partners. Mr. Boland will continue to support Drury and the district in a remote consulting capacity, working approximately eight hours per week through February 2026. During this transition period he will help coordinate with employers, assist with student placement in internships, and collaborate with Ms. Cyr on the launch of Drury’s new Innovation Pathway in Healthcare and Social Assistance.
Both Ms. Cyr and Mr. Boland have played pivotal roles in growing Drury’s Early College and Workforce Learning programs. During the 2024-2025 school year, Drury students earned over 500 college credits—representing more than $277,000 in college tuition savings—while still enrolled in high school. The program, formally approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2023, provides equitable, no‑cost access to college coursework and important wraparound supports such as textbooks, transportation, and tutoring. All credits earned are transferable across Massachusetts state colleges and universities.
“As we move forward, our goal is to build a unified program that integrates Early College and Workforce Development,” said Cyr. “By aligning these, we aim to provide students with a cohesive experience that bridges academic achievement with real-world skill building, supporting a wide range of goals, interests, and postsecondary plans. Additionally, we will connect all components of this program to the Berkshire County Portrait of a Graduate, ensuring that each experience contributes meaningfully to the development of well-rounded, future-ready learners.”
Drury High School was also recently named a first‑time recipient of the Massachusetts Innovation Career Pathway (ICP) designation for its new Healthcare and Social Assistance pathway. The designation recognizes Drury’s commitment to preparing students for high‑demand careers through advanced
coursework, hands‑on learning, and work‑based experiences. The pathway is supported by planning and implementation grants and includes a five‑year performance contract with ongoing professional development and review. Students in the pathway will complete a minimum of two technical courses, two advanced courses, a 100 hour internship experience in the Healthcare or Social Assistance field, and earn a career-related certification or credential before high school graduation.
“We prioritize real skills for the real world at Drury High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Tim Callahan. “This aligned partnership between our Early College programming and Workforce Development, now under the leadership of Ms. Cyr, ensures that our students are ready for college-level courses, earn college credits, and leave Drury High School with vital skills that they will use in careers most in-demand in Berkshire County”
Principal Stephanie Kopala said, “This pathway strengthens our partnerships with local healthcare providers and creates real opportunities for students to explore careers, earn credentials, and gain workplace experience that will serve them long after graduation.”
For more information about the Drury-MCLA Early College Program visit https://dhs.napsk12.org/o/dhs/page/early-college.
To learn more about the Massachusetts Innovation Career Pathways, visit https://www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/pathways/innovation-pathways/default.html
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