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Date: 6/21/2022
CHICOPEE – Interim Superintendent Alvin Morton showcased a presentation on the district’s diversity and inclusion efforts during the School Committee’s June 15 meeting.
Morton said the school district conducted staff and student surveys to gain further understanding of the schools’ diversity and inclusion. The survey included a deep data dive of student demographics, staff assessments and a partnership with the consulting group Disruptive Equity Education Project.
The interim superintendent explained that the district wants to embody a sense of community and belonging for every member.
“Each individual should be seen, recognized and celebrated for who they are,” said Morton.
Morton highlighted areas the district wants to improve in terms of graduation rate. The district featured high drop out rates. Students who are economically disadvantaged endured a 21 percent drop out rate, homeless students dropped out at a 35 percent rate and students with disabilities dropped out at 12 percent.
“We have to figure out what else is going on when it comes to these numbers…How can we capture more of those numbers,” questioned Morton.
To improve the rates, Morton said the district is implementing extensive updates to the district’s inclusion efforts. The district will review survey data and utilize the results to incorporate new strategies for spring 2023.
While the interim superintendent noted the need for improvements, he shared his belief that the district is “moving in the right direction.”
Mayor John Vieau highlighted the district’s current methods for curbing dropouts. For the 2021-2022 school year, the mayor said the district partnered with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department in the hiring of truancy officers. He envisions the newfound partnership having a positive impact on the student populous.
“We implemented truancy officers with the Sheriff’s Department to really help with outreach. I am very curious to see how the numbers over the last year [are impacted],” said Vieau.
Vieau and Morton also highlighted the work of Chicopee Academy. The district’s third and smallest high school focuses on aiding students who are struggling to reach requirements for graduation through an accelerated learning program.
“We’re providing a fantastic service for students…It’s not just about behaviors, it’s about those who are deficient in achieving graduation rate,” said Vieau.
The School Committee will reconvene in August.