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Date: 10/18/2023
WEST SPRINGFIELD — In advance of the town election, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to candidates on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Each of the seven candidates for the six available seats on the School Committee was given the same list of four questions, to be answered in 75 words or fewer. The first two questions and answers are being printed this week. The third and fourth questions and answers will be printed in the Oct. 26 edition of the newspaper.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk (*).
Budget growth
Is the School Department budget growing too fast or not fast enough? What do you say to local property owners worried about their tax bills?
Kathleen Alevras*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Diana Coyne*: The taxpayer-supported School Department budget should reflect our community’s prioritization of education. Per-pupil spending is low compared to neighboring districts; however, the budget is complex, comprising local and state (Chapter 70) funding. Key growth drivers include special education (FY24 14% increase) and unplanned costs — both mandated and imperative. Federal and state (non-taxpayer-supported) grants are leveraged for improvements made to school security, full-day pre-K classrooms, and civics curriculum.
Robert Mancini*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Colleen Marcus*: High-quality education is what all students deserve and excellent schools benefit everyone who lives in West Springfield. As a member of the budget subcommittee, I know firsthand the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility while continually improving education in West Springfield. Central to the creation of the annual school budget is ensuring high quality education for all students while looking for strategic ways to improve efficiencies and utilize state and federal funding along with local funding.
Kira Thompson*: If you really take the time to analyze the School Department budget vs. other towns and what the town actually contributes, I don’t believe we are adequately spending on our schools. The schools and our students are an investment in our town’s future and as an investment they need to be funded accordingly. This doesn’t have to mean a massive tax increase, but the town does have to contribute adequately to the School Department budget.
Mustafa Thompson: Addressing the pace of the School Department’s budget growth requires a careful balance between our educational needs and financial resources. I believe it is critical that every dollar spent works towards achieving our educational goals. For concerned property owners, I commit to scrutinizing every budget line item. I believe that fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and transparency are crucial components of the School Committee’s relationship with the community.
Julie Wise: I recognize the importance of addressing concerns of both our educational system and taxpayers. State funding increased, but local spending dropped after the mayor’s final approval. Per-pupil spending is significantly low compared to surrounding districts despite our growing student population, including increased refugees. We are not funding at an appropriate pace; we need to continue to explore alternative funding sources to reduce reliance on taxes and distribute the burden more equitably.
Student success
What is the greatest impediment to student success in town schools, and how can the School Committee help overcome it?
Kathleen Alevras*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Diana Coyne*: Over 60% of West Springfield students have a level of need. Eighteen percent have severe needs. We must continue to support all our students by recognizing their diverse paths to success. We must nurture and grow various pathways, including college, trades, military or employment. Students “in the middle” need support to craft their next step successfully. Mental health support remains a critical element in both student journeys and staff assistance.
Robert Mancini*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Colleen Marcus*: Our students continue to struggle both academically, and socially-emotionally, following the pandemic. As a result, it is critical to help put all students on an equal footing to succeed by helping them to understand their thoughts and emotions. Building social emotional skills and positive relationships increases student engagement and leads to improved academic performance. It is essential for the School Committee to continue to support social-emotional learning programs and professional development.
Kira Thompson*: Currently I believe the greatest impediment to student success is getting the support they need. Our teachers, paras, admin and support staff are amazing and working as hard as they can. However, in our town as well as every town, there is an educator shortage. We can’t hire the teachers and paraprofessionals we desperately need to fill vacancies and support. We have to attract qualified professionals to West Side.
Mustafa Thompson: The greatest impediment to student success in our community’s schools are inadequate resources, which hinder efforts to provide every learner with the tools and resources needed to reach their potential. The School Committee can overcome this with an openness to budget revisions throughout the year, promoting community engagement to supplement learning experiences, and fostering partnerships with local organizations and businesses to enhance educational experiences. Transparent communication and community collaboration we can meet our learners’ needs.
Julie Wise: I believe that the School Committee must be adaptable and flexible in responding to urgent and unique circumstances. Adequate resources and funding are paramount, particularly for administrators and teachers, to ensure they have what’s needed to get their job done to the best of their ability and that we’re paying appropriately to retain top talent. Collaboration and set benchmarks for the new superintendent can help develop realistic and measurable goals for her five-year plan.