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Date: 8/25/2021
CHICOPEE – Discussion revolved around the districts masking plans for the upcoming school year at the Chicopee School Committee’s Aug. 18 special meeting.
The meeting started with a public comment from the President of the Chicopee Education Association Laura Demakis on behalf of the union. Demakis said that the union would rather start the year with required mask wearing instead of taking a chance on halting education. Demakis introduced several concerns for the committee to address, including classroom sizes, vaccination advocacy, the consistency of health practices and the length masks will be worn if a mandate is enforced. “What we really need is clarity tonight,” said Demakis.
Bellamy Middle School teacher Lauren Garlett reinforced Demakis’ urgency in her public comment. “I implore you to decide tonight that Chicopee Public Schools must begin the school year with a mask mandate for all – regardless of vaccination status,” said Garlett. Garlett said she felt that masks are the best way, beside vaccinations, to prevent contraction, with masks holding extra significance for students under 12 who cannot receive the vaccine yet. “Let’s be proactive about this, not reactive,” said Garlett.
Both perspectives were countered by resident Trina Garcia, who requested for peer review studies to be provided about masks’ improved safety. “Natural immunity has proven to be more effective than any other prevention measure,” said Garcia. She said masks are not intended for daily use due to harmful bacteria replicating once they become humid.
After hearing the varied public responses, the committee began discussing their decision on a potential mask mandate. School Committee member Donald Lamothe of Ward 7 motioned for masking to be enforced under the recommendation and guidance from Chicopee Health Director Lisa Sanders. Lamothe said that the mandate would be reviewed on a monthly basis. “We trusted Lisa to bring students back to the school, we should trust her on this,” said Lamothe.
Sanders was then asked to provide an update on the current COVID-19 conditions, stating that the town has “well over 200 cases” while averaging 17 new cases a day. Chicopee Public Schools Nursing Supervisor Joyce O'Neil backed Sanders’s sentiments. O’Neil said that mask wearing is prudent for all, with exemptions being allowed for students who are not able to wear masks medically or behaviorally.
Similar to the public comments, the Chicopee School Committee shared diverse sentiments. While Sandra Peret of Ward 4 agreed with the decision, David Barsalou of Ward 2 said he condemns the mask mandate due to its negative effects on teaching and the lack of progression from last year. “It’s getting ridiculous…we got to stop cow kowtow to every government bureaucrat agency that tells us what to do,” said Barsalou.
In a seven to three vote, the Chicopee School Committee approved the motion for a mask mandate that will be reviewed on a monthly basis. The committee will meet again on Sept. 1.