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Date: 12/23/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West Springfield School Committee bid farewell to two outgoing members during its Dec. 14 meeting.
Leaving the committee are Jennifer Marcus, who served two years, and Pat Garbacik, who served 18 years. Both chose not to run for re-election this year.
Nancy Farrell, vice chair, thanked Marcus for her work during a term dominated by COVID-19, including controversies over mask mandates and remote learning.
“You served on this committee during a very difficult two years. I appreciate your dedication and the time and effort that you gave to the School Committee,” she said.
As this meeting was her last one as an official School Committee member, Marcus said, “Thank you to all of my colleagues who I’ve been able to collaborate with over the last two years.”
She went on to say that although the past term was challenging, it was also rewarding. Marcus recognized all of the people behind the scenes in West Springfield’s public schools.
“It was a pleasure serving our students, their parents, our teachers who have been rock stars throughout this entire pandemic — I thank every one of them,” she said.
Marcus wished the best of luck to the members who will still be staying on the committee, along with the two newest members set to join in January, Kira Thompson and Diana Coyne.
Marcus was presented with an award from Mayor William Reichelt.
Next, Farrell recalled some fond memories with Garbacik, as the two joined the committee at the same time.
“Pat always advocated for what was best for students. Her experience as a school counselor always brought a unique perspective to the School Committee,” said Farrell.
Throughout Garbacik’s time on the School Committee, she served on the policy, facilities and curriculum subcommittees, along with many negotiation committees.
Farrell said Garbacik is active in the community as a member of the Garden Club and Tree Committee: “She is a tremendous asset to the West Springfield community.”
Reichelt presented Garbacik with a paper to read to the audience. The paper read: “Dear School Committee members, the West Springfield Park and Recreation Department has received your order for a memory tree to be purchased for Pat Garbacik, in recognition for everything she does for our community.”
The letter informed Garbacik that in the spring of 2022, the town will plant a redbud tree in Mittineague Park, around the area of Santa’s House, that was donated by the Garden Club. The letter was signed by Park and Recreation Director Victoria Connor.
Garbacik thanked everyone for this honor. She reflected on her 18-year journey alongside Farrell and Kathy Alevras.
“We have worked with four superintendents, four mayors, negotiated numerous contracts, built a high school and are in the process of building a very large elementary school. We have improved facilities, updated policies, reviewed curriculum and textbooks, learned how to meet remotely — that was our biggest challenge,” she said.
Garbacik remarked on the hard work and talents of everyone on the committee. In addition, she mentioned Karen Ware, assistant to superintendent, along with citizens who serve on the Planning and Construction Committee.
“I cannot praise these people enough: Doug Mattoon, Jim Hanifan, Tom Day, Jeff Bergeron and Dave Partridge,” along with others who have worked to ensure the Coburn School project is built on time and within budget.
To Reichelt and Superintendent Tim Connor, Garbacik said, “What a challenge to be leaders at this time. You both are a testament to our educational system — dedicated young men who serve our community — a product of our schools.”
She concluded, “It’s been a great ride, thank you all.”
School Committee member Bill Garvey said, “It’s true Pat fashion,” that she went around the room and gave accolades to everyone else, when he looks at all she’s done within the community.
“To me Pat, it’s the way you do it. … I am so impressed by the way you can calmly go through all these things and do so much for this community — even in times that are so difficult — and do it in such a nice, caring and compassionate way. It’s just so impressive and that reigned true tonight, Pat,” as Garvey believes all the accolades should be directed towards her.
Memorial addition on track
Finally, Connor mentioned progress on the Memorial School addition project. Currently, the town is in the end phase of choosing an architect for the project, which will add six new classrooms to the back of the building, as well as redesigning some of the cafeteria and lunch serving space.
“The projected opening is September 2023,” said Connor. “We are excited to be able to bring many of our Memorial students who now attend Coburn back to their neighborhood school.”
Supt. extended to 2027
Lastly, Farrell made a motion to extend Connor’s contract as superintendent until June 30, 2027.
She said, “When Tim assumed the position of interim superintendent in February 2020, the outlook for West Springfield Public Schools was excellent.”
Farrell explained that Connor had positive plans to move the district forward, but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
“During the most difficult of times, Tim led the district. 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,” said Farrell.
The committee unanimously approved Connor’s extension.
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 3, with the inauguration of the two newest members.