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Date: 9/28/2022
CHICOPEE – Interim Superintendent Alvin Morton and members of the School Committee discussed updates to the Chicopee Public Schools’ (CPS) implementation of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds during their Sept. 21 meeting.
Morton outlined the school district’s spending so far across three rounds of ESSER funds. ESSER I, which was established as a part of the Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, included an allocation of $2.5 million to CPS. Morton said this round focused on school district salaries, including 9 percent for administrative staff, 17 percent for instruction staff and 3 percent for supportive staff.
In addition, the first round included 7 percent spent toward personal protective equipment, 8 percent for technology and 32 percent allocated for online assessment and content platforms. Part of ESSER I was also utilized for the school’s rental of its current administrative home at 134 Dulong Cir. Morton shared that the school district spent the entire funding round before the Sept. 30 deadline.
Known as the Coronavirus Relief and Supplemental Appropriations, ESSER II runs from July 1, 2021, to Sept. 30, 2023. The city received $9.95 million for the second funding round and still possesses $3.8 million in unspent funds. Morton shared that the district utilized the funds for similar services as ESSER I, along with also allocating expenses toward transportation, school repairs, school safety procedures, and the YONDR pilot program. YONDR was introduced at Chicopee High School in March as a way to prevent students from using their phones during class time.
ESSER III, which was funded as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, runs from July 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2024. The city received $22.3 million for the third funding round and still possesses $18.5 million in unspent funds. Morton discussed his vision for the third round, which includes the financing of social emotional programs, facility improvements, safety upgrades that would address heating and cooling systems, and additional staff to combat learning loss caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ward 7 representative Donald Lamothe said he wants the committee to learn more about the planned facility upgrades during a future Facility Subcommittee meeting.
Tim Wagner
Ward 1 School Committee member Tim Wagner also provided an update on his status as a School Committee member. Wagner shared that due to unforeseen circumstances, he is no longer a resident of the Ward 1 area despite still living in Chicopee. After receiving advice from the city’s Law Department, Wagner said he will continue to serve in the position until the aftermath of the 2023 election.
“On the advice of the city Law Department, I have decided to continue serving in the office until the expiration of my term, as the charter does not specify that I must resign,” said Wagner in a statement sent to Reminder Publishing.
Wagner, the son of 8th Hampden District state Rep. Joseph Wagner, stressed that he is sharing the update to ensure transparency with the public. He said that he will still be working steadfast on the behalf of Ward 1 residents for the remainder of his term.
“My aim is now as it was when I ran for office last year: To do my best for my constituents, the city, and above all else, for the educators and students of the Chicopee Public Schools,” said Wagner.
The School Committee will meet again on Oct. 5.