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Date: 1/5/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — As two new School Committee members start their two-year terms, the schools’ chief administrator has a contract to stay in place for the next five and a half years.
At the committee’s last meeting of 2020, member Nancy Farrell proposed extending Superintendent Tim Connor’s contract until June 30, 2027. The motion passed unanimously.
At the Dec. 14 meeting, Farrell noted that Connor had been hired as an interim superintendent in February 2020 — the month before the coronavirus pandemic closed schools across the country and forced the first-time superintendent, like his colleagues in school districts across the state, to improvise and shepherd educators, parents and students through an entirely new mode of learning.
“During the most difficult of times, Tim led the district,” Farrell said. “There was no playbook, but he always put students first. He continues to work hard, and this was reflected in his evaluation. I hope that we are able to keep Tim in West Springfield and I think this extension will make that possible.”
She recalled that “in February 2020, the outlook for West Springfield Public Schools was excellent,” and Connor had plans to improve the schools that had to be shelved quickly when the pandemic struck.
ELL aide to be hired
The office of refugees provided the town with an increased grant of $72,000 to be used primarily for newcomer students. Sharlene DeSteph, English language learner (ELL) director, decided this funding would be best used for hiring an additional elementary paraprofessional.
Farrell said these services are for elementary newcomers, but there is an anticipation of middle and high school students coming, so she believes the ELL staff will be coming back to the committee in search of assistance for them.
The School Committee voted unanimously in favor of this position.
Behavioral analyst
Connor said he hopes to hire a board-certified behavioral analyst to work with West Springfield students. Throughout the pandemic, Connor said schools have encountered challenges with student behavior, not only in West Springfield, but across the country.
He recognized the adjustment counselors, teachers and principals for their work with the students, but he believes a behavioral analyst would help.
Connor said the schools have struggled to hire paraprofessionals, with 13 current openings.
“We decided to collapse four of the positions that we’re not able to hire, and that will help fund this position.”
The committee voted unanimously in favor of the position.