FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTH ADAMS PUBLIC SCHOOLS AWARDED
$500,000 GRANT TO TACKLE OPIOID CRISIS HEAD-ON
[North Adams, MA] — Today, the Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust (PSDORT) awarded North Adams Public Schools a grant to fund programs addressing the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on students and their families. North Adams Public Schools is one of 39 school districts to receive a total of 51 grant awards.
The opioid epidemic has left public schools on the front lines, forcing districts to respond to three overlapping challenges: children born with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome who need costly special education services; students coping with addicted or deceased family members; and students themselves struggling with addiction. The new funding will help districts provide the special education, mental health, and recovery supports needed to keep students in school and on track.
Created following national opioid litigation resolutions between school districts represented by Mehri & Skalet and co-counsel with McKinsey & Company, Endo International PLC, and Mallinckrodt PLC, PSDORT directs resources where they are most urgently needed. By investing in schools, the Trust ensures these grant awards not only respond to the crisis but also protect students’ futures.
“The opioid crisis devastated school systems in many communities. More children were born with Neonatal Withdrawal Syndrome, many were in families who succumbed to addiction, resulting in interruptions to their education and to districts diverting resources to them. Many became addicted themselves. The volume, quality, and creativity of the school district applications we received to help alleviate this crisis reflect a powerful commitment to these students,” said Special Trustee Dr. Andres Alonso. “The 51 projects we have selected represent a diverse portfolio of promising initiatives. We are confident these investments will generate valuable insights and tangible benefits for students and for other similarly affected school systems throughout the nation, who are in incredible need for solutions and resources.”
North Adams Public Schools has been awarded $500,000 over the next three years by the Trust. Through this funding, the district aims to increase student attendance, reduce behavior infractions, and improve student academic performance over the next three years. The funding will be used to add two full-time School Adjustment Counselors —one at the elementary level and one at the secondary level —in addition to the three full-time School Adjustment Counselors already funded through the local budget. Additionally, funding will be used to expand the school districts’ partnerships with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition to develop and implement health and wellness curriculum units for all students, addressing their social and emotional learning needs during the school day and building their skills to engage positively in learning.
"This grant is a vital step forward in addressing the social-emotional needs of our students, many of whom have been deeply affected by the opioid crisis. By expanding our counseling resources and support services, we are creating a stronger foundation for their well-being, which is essential for their academic success and long-term health. Supporting our students’ emotional resilience will empower them to thrive both inside and outside the classroom," said Superintendent Tim Callahan.
“Our collaboration with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and the development of a comprehensive health and wellness curriculum mark a significant advancement for our district,” said Assistant Superintendent Annie Pecor. “This partnership allows us to deliver targeted social-emotional learning that meets the unique needs of our students, fostering healthier lifestyles and stronger coping skills. Together, we are building a supportive environment that promotes wellness and positive growth for every student."
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