BEN GARVER — THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE March 21, 2026
LENOX — Superintendent William Collins didn't have to look far to find the next principal of Lenox Memorial Middle and High School. In fact, he didn't have to look past its science department.
On Friday, he appointed science teacher Brooke Kamienski as the school's next principal. Pending contract negotiations, she will start her new job on July 1, when current Principal Jeremiah Ames will leave the position to take over for Melissa Falkowski, who is retiring, as the district's assistant superintendent of finance and operations.
"I want to thank Dr. Ames for his steady leadership and the impact he has had on Lenox Memorial Middle & High School," Collins said. "As he transitions into his new role, I am confident that Ms. Kamienski will continue that momentum and guide the school into its next chapter."
That momentum includes the school’s recognition last fall by U.S. News & World Report as the 115th-ranked middle school in Massachusetts, out of more than 1,000 statewide.
Thankfully, Kamienski is no stranger to leadership positions or the school. She currently serves as the 10th-grade team lead at Lenox Memorial Middle and High School and chaired the school's science and technology department from 2015 to 2021. She also had a brief stint as the school’s interim assistant principal in the summer of 2022 after former assistant principal Brent Bette stepped down to pursue a position at a national nonprofit.
During that summer, she worked two days a week and collaborated closely with staff and families on student services, including 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs, while also assisting with daily operations and other duties.
She has also served as assistant principal at Hoosac Valley Middle & High School and as dean of students at Egremont Elementary School and has over 20 years of experience in K-12 education. She holds a Master of Education degree in educational administration from American International College and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Kamienski was selected after the initial search was reopened when two of the three finalists accepted positions elsewhere. The third finalist, who has not been named, sought to remain in consideration for the new candidate pool.
Six candidates applied during the initial search. The position — advertised on SchoolSpring.com and other employment sites — offers a salary range of $118,000 to $131,000, depending on experience.
Via a statement, the district said that Kamienski's "work has focused on curriculum development, staff supervision and evaluation, student support systems, and building safe, inclusive school environments."
"Her experience, leadership skills, commitment to equity and focus on continuous improvement make her well-suited to guide Lenox Memorial Middle & High School forward," Collins said.
Kamienski said she's eager to step into the role and to continue serving Lenox Memorial Middle and High School, where she has taught for about 15 years across two stints — from 2008 to 2012, before returning to the school in September 2015.
"Lenox Memorial Middle & High School is a special place where I’ve spent much of my career," she said. "I look forward to working with our students, staff and families to build on the strong foundation already in place."
Collins is tapping into that dedication. Last November, he said he has a strong "homegrown" administrative team heading into the 2026-2027 school year. That will also include a new face at the helm of Morris Elementary School: Assistant Principal Holly Soules will succeed Brenda Kelley, who will become the district's director of curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Through her teaching, Kamienski has received several professional recognitions, including a 2018 state excellence award then-state Secretary for Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton and a nomination for the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's 2027 Teacher of the Year. She was also a finalist for the Berkshire Taconic Kapteyn Prize finalist in 2024.
"Ms. Kamienski is a respected educator and leader who understands the Lenox school community and is deeply committed to student success," Collins said.