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Date: 10/25/2023
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 were printed on Oct. 19.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk (*).
Elementary plans
What are your thoughts on reorganizing the town’s elementary schools and the proposal to close Mittineague School and John Ashley Kindergarten?
Kathleen Alevras*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Diana Coyne*: With final recommendations anticipated in November, it is fiscally responsible to review the proposals thoroughly. Mittineague School currently has fewer than 150 students, and with students shifting back to neighborhood schools (a benefit for students and families), there would be a huge unused space surplus at John Ashley. While closing these beloved schools may be difficult news, we must be mindful of cost savings (facilities, busing, etc.) as we make a final decision.
Robert Mancini*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Colleen Marcus*: Following the recently completed feasibility study, the School Committee created the Student Population Projection Committee to examine enrollments and facility utilization. This committee is made up of parents, council and community representation, teachers and administrators, and will provide the School Committee with recommended short- and long-term next steps, including potential closings and of redrawing school boundary lines. Along with my fellow SC members, I will thoroughly and thoughtfully consider the recommendations of this committee.
Kira Thompson*: A Student Populations Subcommittee, made up of all stakeholders (teachers, parents, community members and School Committee members) is working on a recommendation for the future of all our town’s schools. I am serving on this committee and we are committed to options that are fair and equitable for all the students in town. That recommendation will be brought before the School Committee and town in the next month. These meetings are open to the public.
Mustafa Thompson: The proposal to reorganize our community’s elementary schools, including closing Mittineague and John Ashley, demands a careful analysis of the implications on students, staff and the budget. Critical to this is taking into consideration the concerns of our community members. I am committed to exploring all available options, while maintaining a high degree of transparency in an effort to ensure that we are providing a high-quality, accessible education for all of our children.
Julie Wise: Mittineague possesses a strong community, however I support a closure due to the significant expenses to maintain a building over 120 years old. It would be more practical to allocate resources towards constructing a new school. Repurposing JA as a preschool program would be an asset contributing to our future educational progress. Re-zoning kindergartners into elementary schools would allow engagement with older students for more peer-to-peer opportunities. Change is hard, but with change comes success.
Unique attributes
What background, belief or skill would you bring to the School Committee that nobody else in this race does?
Kathleen Alevras*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Diana Coyne*: I have 20-plus years of business leadership experience including budget, people, operations management, and successful relationship building. I am visible and active in our community, and I strive to make connections that will create opportunities for our students. One example: a recent conversation with Tara Jacobs, member of the Governor’s Council, has led to a scheduled West Springfield Middle School field trip to the Statehouse and Supreme Judicial Court to explore career paths.
Robert Mancini*: This candidate did not submit responses in time for the deadline.
Colleen Marcus*: As a lifelong educator, I possess knowledge and experience which is invaluable. Currently, I am a leadership consultant for the Statewide System of Support, supporting underperforming schools and districts. This work, along with my experience in the West Springfield schools as a teacher and school and townwide administrator, provides me with a thorough understanding of the schools, curriculum, budgeting, and programming. In addition, I am the proud grandparent of four grandchildren attending West Springfield schools.
Kira Thompson*: As an educator with two children enrolled in the district, I bring a unique perspective to the School Committee. I also run a PTO, a Girl Scout troop and spend countless hours volunteering in West Springfield. Over the last two years I have proven that I seek out and listen to all the stakeholders in our town. I would like to continue to work hard for the students, families and educators in our town.
Mustafa Thompson: With over 25 years of leadership experience in the military and law enforcement, I am skilled in strategic decision-making and driving operational excellence. I bring professional level expertise in influencing culture and communicating across differences. In this, I am uniquely positioned to strengthen the relationship between the School Committee and the community. I bring a distinctive blend of leadership, openness, education, and team-building expertise to the School Committee.
Julie Wise: My key strength lies in my fresh, outsider perspective with two children in the system. Being new to the committee allows me to probe challenging questions about the “Why?” without any preconceived notions or involvement in behind-the-scenes politics. I remember the challenges I faced as a new parent in this town, and if I can contribute to easing that process for others through my accessibility and transparency, it would be a successful accomplishment in the role.