Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 5/20/2020
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Springfield School Committee met on May 12 to approve a resolution asking the federal government to provide “increased Federal support and stimulus funding for public K through 12 education.”
Mayor Will Reichelt told the committee that House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi recently proposed $1 trillion in coronavirus relief aid to states and counties. That legislation is presently being debated in Congress.
School Committee member Pat Garbacik noted that the federal government is the only level that has the money available. Committee member Nancy Farrell said that the public education aide that was received during the 2008-2019 recession was greater than what has been allocated during the pandemic.
During the meeting, Superintendent Tim Connor requested a calendar change in light of the governor’s designation of September 14 as a holiday.
Connor reported that the district is working with the West Springfield Parks and Recreation Department on a conceptual plan around summer enrichment and academic experiences for students.
In regards to reopening the schools in the fall, Connor said a team is currently being put together although no guidance has yet been received from the state or federal level. He said no plans can be solidified until that guidance has come down.
The assistant superintendent search is underway. The position was posted the week of May 4 and applications closed May 18. A committee of 13 people will conduct interviews from May 26 to May 27. Connor thanked outgoing Assistant Superintendent Kevin McQuillan for his “30-plus years” of service to the students of West Springfield.