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Date: 8/17/2021
CHICOPEE – The Chicopee School Committee met to discuss the start of Superintendent Lynn A. Clark’s formal evaluation and mask requirements in schools on Aug. 11.
During the July 21 School Committee Meeting, committee member David Barsalou spoke of a large number of resignations within the Chicopee Public Schools. At the Aug. 11 meeting, Barsalou added that there have been nine more resignations since their last discussion.
Barsalou previously commented directly on Clark’s performance as superintendent and her “poor management skills.” He said that Clark has contributed to the “toxic and poisonous environment” within Chicopee schools. A routine formal evaluation has now been started for Clark, as per request of many School Committee members.
Several principals and staff of Chicopee Public Schools came out to the Aug. 11 meeting to show their support for Clark. One supporter was Amanda Theriault, principal at Stefanik Elementary School.
“The main reason we are here tonight is to show support for Superintendent Clark. Over the past year, we were all faced with numerous challenges, and we want to thank her for her strong leadership, excellent communication and support during this difficult time,” said Theriault.
She added that Clark has always had the best interest of teachers and students in mind and that she has done tremendous work during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Superintendent Clark has always had our back and has put students as her priority,” said Theriault. “Her first year as superintendent was during a pandemic. I don’t think any of us could imagine how difficult this could’ve been. However, I feel that Chicopee Public Schools were a beacon of success in how to survive and thrive during COVID-19 shutdowns and online learning.”
Carol Kruser, principal at Chicopee High School, agreed.
“Although I’m giving my own personal perspective, I know I can speak for all of us when I say that we are here tonight in support of each other and of Superintendent Clark and her entire central office team,” said Kruser.
She reiterated how helpful Clark has been during these unprecedented times.
“We could not have done this without the excellent leadership we have received from Superintendent Clark. Ms. Clark and her team, like us, have been working every day, evenings and weekends to keep up with the constant changes,” said Kruser.
Laura Demakis, president of the Chicopee Education Association (CEA), said that Clark has invited CEA members to weekly meetings for open dialogue and discussions about concerns and administrative issues.
John Leonard, a staff member at Chicopee Academy, said that Clark has listened to many opinions and worked with teachers and students during remote learning and COVID-19 issues.
“She is a tireless worker. She has listened to the people she has needed to listen to,” said Leonard.
During the Aug. 11 meeting, masks and whether they should be required for students and staff during the upcoming school year were also discussed.
Chicopee Public Schools put out a survey to all staff, parents and guardians about masks. The first question was “Do you think that students and staff who are unvaccinated should wear masks indoors?”
According to Clark, 77 percent of overall responses said yes and 78 percent of staff-only responses said yes.
The second question was “Do you think that students and staff who are vaccinated should wear masks indoors?”
The overall response rate was 51 percent said yes and 49 percent said no. For staff, 46 percent said yes and 53 percent said no.
Lisa Sanders, health director for the city of Chicopee, and Joyce O’Neill, nurse supervisor, were in attendance to further discuss masks.
“It is my recommendation that we, at least in the beginning until our numbers go down, require masks for vaccinated as well as unvaccinated individuals – staff and students,” said Sanders.
O’Neill agreed, despite it potentially not being a popular decision among the public.
“To try to determine who’s vaccinated versus unvaccinated is a monumental task that I don’t think, realistically, can happen,” she said. “I know it’s not a popular decision and a lot of people are not going to be happy with it, but I think that’s the recommendation that we have to make based on information that we have and the positivity rate that we’re seeing.”
The School Committee votes to make the final decision on masks within schools. Mayor John Vieau said that he wants to promote vaccination rather than enforcing masks in schools, but does understand how serious the delta variant is.
“Unfortunately, this variant has taken new legs and it’s obviously very contagious and it is a major concern,” said Vieau.
Clark suggested that no matter what the decision of the committee is moving forward, they should review it monthly as new data comes out.
Barsalou expressed his opinion that he doesn’t understand why someone must wear a mask if they are vaccinated. He then asked what the point of being vaccinated is if people will have to wear masks either way.
“Because there have been breakthroughs with people that are completely vaccinated, that’s why. And I’ve seen those breakthroughs,” responded Sanders. “Because you won’t die.”
In the end, the School Committee voted to table the decision on masks until after press time. They will then host a special meeting of the School Committee to make a final decision.
Their reasoning was that they wanted more survey responses and data on COVID-19 rates within the city before deciding.
According to Sanders, COVID-19 numbers in Chicopee have changed drastically in recent weeks. At the time of the meeting, there were 158 open COVID-19 cases in Chicopee and the positivity rate was 5.7 percent.
Those interested in viewing the School Committee meeting in its entirety are encouraged to visit the ChicopeeTV Facebook page.