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Date: 4/7/2022
CHICOPEE – In a meeting shrouded by the news of Superintendent Lynn Clark’s arrest, the School Committee voted to place the superintendent on paid administrative leave and request for her resignation during their April 6 meeting.
Discussion surrounding the controversial topic was initially intended for executive session, but the committee could not call for a private conversation due to the decision not taking place 48 hours before the meeting. Mayor and Chairperson of the School Committee John Vieau opened the conversation with his reflections on the news.
“We found out this morning and we are shocked that our superintendent of schools has been arrested…this is disappointing and disheartening for our schools, our district, and the City of Chicopee,” said Vieau.
Based on the available information, Vieau explained that there is no known connection between Clark’s allegations and the operation of the school department. The mayor also shared that Assistant Superintendent of Student Supportive Services Alvin Morton will guide Chicopee as the district’s highest-ranking staff member.
“We have a School Committee policy that provides the most senior assistant superintendent to take over in the absence of the superintendent, so we are prepared for a continuation of leadership as necessary under the guidance of our Assistant Superintendent, Alvin Morton,” said Vieau.
Morton shared his mission as the district’s new leader. “In light of the circumstances today, it is disturbing. As devastating as they are, I just want to reassure families that our priority continues to be providing a safe and secure environment for teaching and learning to continue in our schools,” said Morton.
Ward 2 School Committee David Barsalou described the day as “tough, difficult and challenging.” The committee member reflected on the past arrests of city councilors and former Mayor Richard Goyette as similar difficult incidents that occurred in the city’s history.
“This arrest this morning with our superintendent is right up there [with those prior arrests]. It’s placed a huge dark cloud over the city. I just hope tonight we can start the healing process so we can move on,” said Barsalou.
Lynn Clark Decision
The School Committee endured a lengthy discussion regarding Clark’s arrest and the future of the School Department. With the initial amendment focused on placing Clark on administrative leave, Ward 4 School Committee member Sandra Peret proposed that the committee also request Clark’s resignation.
“Everyone is innocent until proven guilty and there is a due process, but in light of the fact that someone is leading our district and is an example for our students and each one of us as well, it seems we should ask for a resignation,” said Peret.
While the committee agreed on both actions, members debated on whether to place Clark on paid or unpaid leave. Barsalou shared that he would be “uncomfortable” with paid leave. “I would prefer unpaid leave…The Department of Justice and the FBI rarely, if ever, arrest someone unless they have overwhelming evidence for a conviction,” said Barsalou.
Legal Compliance Officer of Chicopee Public Schools Rebecca Bouchard explained that the committee should opt for paid administrative leave due to Clark not being indited on her charges yet. The compliance officer also shared that the committee’s decision is a preliminary one, with the School Committee allowed to revise and update their course of action in future meetings.
“Our typical course of action is to put an employee on paid administrative leave pending further information and an investigation. There is a statue that would allow us to put an employee on an unpaid leave, but that statue talks about someone being under inditement. There is no one under inditement at this moment,” said Bouchard.
Ward 7 School Committee member Donald Lamothe stressed that the committee should not rush placing Clark in unpaid administrative leave. “I don’t think waiting till the next meeting is going to hurt us here…this lady is having a bad day, we don’t need to put gas on the fire here,” said Lamothe.
Ward 1 School Committee member Timothy Wagner expressed that Clark “made a disgrace of this school district,” but felt the committee should listen to Bouchard’s advice. “It’s unfortunate, but that’s the reality, and we could be sued if we put her on unpaid leave,” said Wagner.
Ward 8 School Committee member Doug Girouard agreed with the unpaid leave decision and said it’s too soon to request for Clark’s resignation. “Me personally, I think it’s too soon to ask for a resignation because she is innocent until proven guilty,” said Girouard.
Ward 5 School Committee Grace Schofield member explained that regardless of the indictment decision, the committee should ask for Clark’s resignation due to her already admitting to lying to the FBI.
“I feel asking for her resignation is warranted because she admitted to lying. As a role model for our schools, as an adult, I have a real hard problem with someone leading our school district who is lying,” said Schofield.
Ward 3 School Committee member Saulo DePaula expressed that it’s a “very conflicting moment,” citing Clark’s salary as the city’s highest paid official. “She’s not due back in court until April 27. That’s 20 days from now, that’s 20 days of additional pay…Last year she was paid $174,800. That’s a lot of money,” said DePaula.
Ultimately, the School Committee voted 8-3 to place Clark under paid administrative and ask for her immediate resignation.