AMHERST — Better collaboration, refined procedures and ensuring every student gets a high-quality, inclusive education were goals for this year’s Admin Week 2025, which took place in early August in advance of the opening of the Amherst public schools this week.
During the week of training, held at Amherst College and facilitated by the Collaborative for Educational Services, the district leadership teams from the Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional school districts focused on building role clarity, improving communication and aligning policies and practices to better serve all
learners, including multilingual learners, those students receiving special education services and those requiring equitable access.
“Our administrators lead with care and intention, ensuring our schools are places where every student feels supported and seen,” Superintendent E. XDiomara Herman said in a statement. “This week reminded us of the collective power we have when we work together toward that shared purpose.”
The Admin Week came as new administrative appointments were announced by Herman.
“Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to equity and
a passion for student success,” Herman said.
Jess Nardizzi will be the assistant principal at the middle school. Nardizzi’s career has included roles as assistant principal, interim principal, school adjustment counselor,
and behavioral health consultant.
Celia Senckowski will be the multilingual education administrator. Senckowki’s leadership experience includes serving as department head of world languages at
North High School in Worcester, creating innovative programs such as a social-emotional learning advisory model and an international travel program that enriched students’ cultural and language development.
Kristin Worgess will be the interim assistant principal at Wildwood School. Worgess brings leadership in adaptive recreation programs, development of intensive therapeutic summer camps and service as a board member for multiple organizations.
Finance office changes
Amherst’s finance department is undergoing changes following the departures of both Comptroller Holly Drake and Assistant Treasurer Brooke Johnson.
Drake, who has been the comptroller since 2023, recently finished more than 26 years of service to the town’s financial team, while Johnson resigned from her position to become Easthampton’s treasurer.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman said he is recruiting to fill both positions and that Sean Mangano, who is returning as the town’s finance director, will be participating in a review of applications.
With the finance office depleted, Bockelman said former Finance Director Melissa Zawadzki is handling some of the work as a paid consultant.
Her Legacy 2025
Several Amherst residents and officials earned recognition from the Springfield Creative City Collective as the organization marked the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.
The event “Her Legacy: Women of Western Massachusetts Celebrating 105 Years of Civic Engagement,” was staged at Penthouse 650 in Springfield earlier in August.
Amherst’s elected honorees were School Committee Chairwoman Jennifer Shiao and At-Large Councilor Ellisha Walker, with other changemakers from Amherst including Amherst Media President Vira Douangmany, former Town Councilor Michele Miller, Black Business Association of Amherst Area President Pat Ononibaku and Community Safety Working Group Co-Chairwoman Brianna Owen.
La Veracruzana moving
A mainstay at 63 South Pleasant St., La Veracruzana restaurant will be moving to a larger space at 104 North Pleasant St., most recently where Upton Tap & Grille was located.
At the current La Veracuzana will be La Veracruzana Sweets, or Dolce. Signs posted on the doors at the long-time home note the new location is 178 steps away.
Signs approved
The Design Review Board recently approved signs for four tenants in the building at 236 North Pleasant St., at the corner of Hallock Street.
Jack Shumway of general contractor RP Masiello, Inc. requested the signs for his business, along with RLS Properties, Hampshire Hospitality Group and Amherst Development Associates.
The space to be occupied was previously used by Amherst Community Connections.