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Date: 7/18/2023
EASTHAMPTON — At its July 11 meeting, the Easthampton School Committee took a few minutes to recognize the contributions of outgoing Superintendent Dr. Allison LeClair before setting goals for its new interim Superintendent Maureen Binienda.
After a tumultuous last few months, the School Committee emphasized wanting to rebuild a relationship with the community and with the staff and faculty of the schools.
Member Megan Harvey noted that she would like to see solid communication between the superintendent’s office and the community, as well as more parent get-togethers and student voice. Harvey also discussed supporting teachers and administrators who she said are the “hub of our community.”
Several members echoed her sentiments, including member Ben Hersey who advocated for giving support to teachers and Chair Cynthia Kwiecinski who praised Binienda’s intent to be visible to students and staff.
Mayor Nicole LaChapelle and member Marin Goldstein also noted that they’d like to see the interim superintendent study the projected enrollment numbers to see if there truly is a decline and, if so, why those numbers are going down. Goldstein noted that if those numbers are going down then this may be an opportune time to open up the district for school choice students.
Hersey and member Sarah Hunter also asked Binienda to make sure that everything possible is being done to help students navigate their mental health and have positive behavior as students continue to adjust from COVID-19 disruptions to their learning. Hersey also noted that he believes thd district really needs to look at the “casual racism” that happens.
An overarching hope of the committee was for Binienda to really look at a more long-term vision for the district.
Binienda said that her first six days were filled with getting to know the district, the schools and the administrators. She said she saw great things and heard the concerns that people have about the district. Binienda is also looking forward to working closely with the city to support the school system.
The School Committee also praised LeClair for her leadership and professionalism over her tenure.
“She saw us through some really hard years,” said Kwiecinski.
Harvey praised LeClair’s work, calling her “incredibly professional and unflappable.”
Hersey agreed, noting that LeClair was always “willing to hear you out.”
Many on the committee expressed their hope that LeClair would be enjoying some rest time but that they all fully expected her to start working on something during her retirement.