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Date: 9/29/2021
CHICOPEE – Superintendent Lynn Clark was the latest guest for state Sen. Eric Lesser’s Lunchtime Livestream interview series on Sept 17.
Lesser opened the conversation by asking Clark about her February 2020 inauguration, which came weeks before COVID-19 impacted the country. For Clark, she said the hectic conditions threw off her original plans, but the unforeseen circumstances ended up placing Clark on an equal playing field with her experienced peers. “Not only was I new, but this was new to every other superintendent I was meeting with on Zoom. It was certainly nothing like the way I dreamed it,” said Clark.
The superintendent discussed her initial response to the pandemic. She explained that placing a precedent on technology and technological literacy was a key first step. “We secured technology as quick as we could … we did that probably in two days. The professional development team put together videos for parents, teachers and paraprofessionals, we did professional development right away,” said Clark. She also shared that the school continued to offer meals to students through the Chicopee Fresh program, providing three meals a day outside of schools while ensuring that locations were reachable for most residents.
Lesser then shifted the conversation toward the current school year. With mask mandates occurring across the state due to the Department of Education and Secondary Education’s temporary decision, Clark said most students and parents have respected the mandate despite their differing opinions. “People seem to understand. Families, even though they may be against masks, are saying we understand and want schools to stay open no matter what,” said Clark. The superintendent explained that masking is the safest way to continue schooling, with the addition of HEPA filters and sanitizing stations helping to reinforce a sanitary environment.
Considering a recent increase in cases, COVID-19 testing became a focal point of conversation. Clark explained that the school is currently utilizing the “test and stay” program to keep asymptomatic close contact students in schools, but the district continues to work toward implementing pool testing programs. “It has not started yet … it’s supposed to be starting at any point,” said Clark, who referenced staffing shortages with the testing group Cambridge Innovation Center as a possible cause. The superintendent explained in-school close contacts continue to be minimal, believing that the school’s mitigation strategies will continue to keep schools open and safe.
While COVID-19 dominates the public health conversation, Lesser introduced the topic of student and staff’s mental health. Clark said the issue was developing before the pandemic but has since ballooned. “We are seeing a huge uptick in the amount of need for counseling. It’s around many different topics,” said Clark. She explained that the school continues to be proactive in addressing the issue, reaching out to families for open conversations while providing counseling services throughout the school.
Whether it’s COVID-19 or mental health, Clark stressed the importance of helping students and staff reach their goals. “We want our staff to feel their best and students as well,” said Clark. Readers can watch the Clark’s Lunchtime Livestream at https://www.facebook.com/EricLesserMA/videos/232734312202378.