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Date: 10/12/2021
CHICOPEE – Discussion centered around the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) during the Chicopee School Committee meeting on Oct 6.
Superintendent Lynn Clark showcased a presentation about the relief funds, which are a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 to provide assistance in the wake of the pandemic. Chicopee has already received two parts of the ESSER fund, generating $2,449,340 in relief from part one and $9,946,117 in part two. She shared that the district is working toward submitting request for ESSER III, which would provide $22,315,108 in relief.
When it comes to spending the funds, Clark shared a survey conducted to see where the district wanted the money allocated. Sixty-eight percent support funds toward student social emotional and mental health well-being, 62.7 percent voted for improvement to facilities to improve safety and 62 percent supported additional staff to provide support for academic learning loss, according to the survey.
Clark then revealed the drafted plan for ESSER III. The overview included addressing learning loss incurred during the pandemic, mental/emotional assistance and school facility improvements. The tentative plan sets out a three-year window to implement changes throughout the district, including upgrades in air ventilation, screenings for mental health, a mental health task force and expansion of the districts pre-school. Clark said specifics will be revealed to the public once the plans are finalized.
The School Committee then discussed updates in staff retention. Clark revealed that 91.6 percent of staff were retained going into this school year, sharing that the turnover was in line with what’s occurring across other districts. The superintendent stressed the district’s efforts to keep a satisfied work staff. “We are doing everything that we can do, we certainly value everyone that’s out there,” said Clark. Ward 7 Councilor Donald Lamothe said a majority of staff loss came from retirements this year, with the school showcasing an improved retention rate from years prior to the pandemic.
The committee also welcomed Transportation Manager Ken Parsons to detail the updated busing process. Regarding the yellow bus company, Five Star Transportation, that the city utilizes, he explained the regulated check-ups drivers perform throughout their day. “The drivers check the school bus once they drop students off at the school and once they finalize drop offs in the afternoon,” said Parsons. After the bus is dropped off, Five Star employees double-check the bus’s state and mark each bus with signage to reflect proper inspection.
For pre-school and special need students, the district utilizes Van Pool for their mini-bus services, according to Parsons. The Van Pool buses utilize a similar system, with each bus employing a bus monitor to ensure the steps are being followed. To ensure that absent bus students are accounted for, Clark explained the school gets in contact with parents once attendance is tallied. “It sounds like we have a triple check system, which is wonderful,” said Ward 4 School Committee member Sandra Peret.
\In terms of student drop-off, the K-3 grades and mini-bus passengers are required to have a guardian present to meet them at the drop-off area, according to Parsons. If someone beside the guardian is at the stop, he explained that bus drivers are asked not to drop the student off until a parent is contacted or the person provides identification proving their connection to the student. “There are safeguards in place every step of the way, so children are protected and safe on our school buses,” said Ward 9 School Committee member Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello.
The Chicopee School Committee will meet again on Oct. 20.