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Date: 2/8/2023
CHICOPEE – Windham Public Schools Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Marcus L. Ware will serve as Chicopee Public Schools (CPS) new superintendent starting with the 2023-24 school year.
Ware received an eight-vote majority against CPS interim Superintendent Alvin Morton during the School Committee’s Feb. 6 meeting. Lee-Tyringham Union 29 School District Superintendent Michael Richard was also a finalist for the position.
CPS has been seeking full-time leadership after former Superintendent Lynn Clark was arrested on April 6, 2022 for making false statements to the FBI. Assistant Superintendent Morton was named acting superintendent in the wake of Clark’s arrest on April 22, 2022, with the School Committee approving a one-year contract on June 1 for Morton to be the interim superintendent for the 2022-23 school year.
Chicopee began its search process in August 2022 with the announcement of the Superintendent Search Committee. The committee announced Ware, Morton and Richard as its final candidates on Jan. 11. Ware and Morton each received passionate support from School Committee members, which led to several postponements and gridlocked votes.
Before his current role at Windham Public Schools, Ware served as assistant principal and principal at Windham Middle School and the head of school for Springfield Commonwealth Academy. Ware graduated with a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from the University of Hartford.
Ware was also a finalist for the West Springfield superintendent search process.
Superintendent candidate interviews
The School Committee conducted extensive interviews with the three candidates on Jan. 23, 24 and 25. Each member of the committee posed a question that focused on the candidates’ assessment of the strengths and challenges facing CPS.
When asked how the candidates would assess their administrative staff’s responsibilities, Morton said he currently works to “empower” his leadership team.
“I currently work in a way to empower my principals and directors to make those hiring decisions … They know there needs and their buildings better than I would,” said Morton during his Jan. 23 interview.
Ware shared that we would entrust the administrative team to “look at performance, not subjectivity.”
“I don’t believe in micromanaging … we have them there for a reason,” said Ware during his Jan. 25 interview.
Both Morton and Ware referenced their familiarity with the area. Morton has worked for CPS over the last 15 years, while Ware grew up near Chicopee in the Springfield area.
In discussing core educational values, Morton highlighted his emphasis on empathy and adapting to student needs.
“We’re here to provide opportunities for students to find their passions … I will make sure we’re open, transparent, honest, not judging and able to adapt to a changing situation,” said Morton.
Ware discussed himself as a “lifelong learner.” He said he will always be open to evolving his educational practices.
“I understand the need of always challenging my own thought process … When you are a reflective learner, you can deepen your understanding of being in someone else’s shoes,” said Ware.
A central issue facing CPS and other school districts is staff retention. Ware shared that he would “look out of the box” to find creative solutions, such as cultivating positive word of mouth within the district and strengthening partnerships with local colleges. Morton discussed how he would work to strengthen relations with the Chicopee Education Association, incentivize teachers and promote job fairs.
When asked how long they would work for CPS, both estimated a timeline of 10 years. Ware mentioned that he would only work in the district for as long as the community believed he was performing his duties successfully.
Both candidates discussed their experiences working to establish curriculum in schools. Morton said he has focused on improving social and emotional learning through the TRAILS to Wellness curriculum. He said that collecting data on its performance is essential to the district.
Ware highlighted a new reading curriculum at Windham Public Schools called American Reading Company. He shared that the district is also utilizing data while relying upon staff members skilled in the new program to aid their peers.
The applicants were asked how they would manage their role in fostering positive relationships with the community. Morton said he has gained new experiences as interim superintendent connecting with the public through community events, lunches with students and an informative podcast. Ware stressed his desire to be visible. Along with attending community events, he said he would call teachers every Sunday to check in on his staff.
Both candidates said they would prepare extensively for the position, with Morton sharing that he has hands-on experience after suddenly being thrusted in the superintendent role.
“One day, as we all know, things happened,” said Morton in reference to the aftermath of Clark’s arrest.
Ware said his preparation for the position “has already begun.”
Morton and Ware provided closing statements. Morton affirmed his loyalty to the Chicopee community and said “it will take a special person to outwork me.”
“I take pride that I work in CPS … This is where I’ve been and this is where I want to be,” said Morton.
Ware explained that his visit to CPS provided him “true insight” into what Chicopee was looking for.
He shared that he possesses the skillset to help the district grow.
“I think I have the skillset to bring the city forward,” said Ware.
Ethics concerns
At the start of the interview process, Ward 4 School Committee member Sandra Peret expressed her concern about Ward 7 School Committee member Donald Lamothe participating in the selection process. Lamothe’s son, Andrew Lamothe, serves as principal for Chicopee Comprehensive High School.
Lamothe participated in the Jan. 23 interview of Morton, but it was recommended he not participate in the remainder of the superintendent process after a decision by the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission.
When the School Committee reconvened on Jan. 31, Peret discussed Lamothe’s role as one of the members of the Superintendent Search Committee. Lamothe was selected via a randomized lottery along with Ward 9 School Committee member Ronald Benard and Ward 2 School Committee member David Barsalou. The committee met several times to narrow an applicant field of 17 to three.
Other members of the search committee included Chicopee Mayor and School Committee Chairperson John Vieau, School Committee Vice Chairperson Susan Szetela-Lopes, Chicopee Education Association President Laura Demakis, Anna Barry School Principal Kate Lambert, ChicopeeFRESH Director Melanie Wilk, CPS staff members Salwa Karim Kristin Trznadel and Chicopee residents Robin Berube and Michelle Davis.
Following the state ethics commission’s decision, Peret shared concerns that the “impropriety” could impact the entire superintendent process.
“Does this conflict of interest raise a concern for the public of how we do business? Does this conflict of interest taint to the public the superintendent search?” questioned Peret.
Peret asked if the School Committee should move forward with the selection process or restart it by reopening the job posting.
Vieau expressed his belief that it was a “very transparent process” that was overseen by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. He said Lamothe was just one member of the search team and did not influence the final decision.
“That one member I don’t think has influenced anyone in this room per say as to how we should proceed with the selection … I believe we can move forward,” said Vieau.
Vieau continued, “They were all independent thinkers who were there to do what’s in the best interest of this district. I do not think the process was impacted at all by one person.”
Peret said she raised her questions on the process to keep the public informed.
“It was not known to the public on [Jan. 23] when I asked the question … The public has the right to know,” said Peret.
Benard discussed his experiences as a member of the Superintendent Search Committee. He shared that the selection of the three candidates came down to “a very close vote.”
“The vote did come down to a very close vote where there is a person that is here with us being considered that just made it through,” said Benard.
The School Committee voted to move forward with the selection process in an 8-6 vote. The ethics concerns were briefly discussed again during the Feb. 6 meeting. Massachusetts Association of School Committees representative Liz Lafond said Lamothe disclosed his potential conflict of interest during the start of the Superintendent Search Committee process.
Peret remained concerned about the superintendent search due to the fact Lamothe’s ethics disclosure was not available to the public at the city clerk’s offices – calling to question whether he submitted a disclosure with the state or not. Ultimately, the School Committee voted 8-3 to continue the process.
Divided deliberations
The School Committee deliberated on Jan. 31 and Feb. 6 on their decision to select a new superintendent after delaying the vote on Jan. 25. Members of the committee were divided in discussion between the Morton and Ware.
Vieau referenced a stack of letters from CPS staff members that highlighted support for Morton. He read comments from the letters that praised Morton as “a person with high integrity” and “always puts the students of the district first.”
The mayor said his dedication, positive support within CPS and loyalty to Chicopee made Morton an ideal candidate.
“These things mean something to me … It’s important to understand what you have before moving on to a new direction,” said Vieau.
Vieau also praised Morton’s 15 years with CPS as a byproduct of the city’s “success ladder.” He aspires for Chicopee to provide workers an opportunity to grow into new roles.
“I believe in the success ladder of the city of Chicopee. I believe people deserve that opportunity to work their way to the top … I think Morton has put his time in [and] he believes in this district,” said Vieau.
Ward 8 School Committee member Douglas Girouard and Ward 1 School Committee member Timothy Wagner also praised Morton for his commitment to Chicopee.
Peret expressed her support for Ware. She praised the administrator as someone “on the cutting edge” who would move the district forward, referencing his focus on creating a strategic plan and “dynamic process” of understanding the district.
“It’s innately a part of this individual to be conscious of people,” said Peret.
Peret also highlighted Ware as a “lifelong learner.” She discussed his ample experiences working in various roles throughout different school districts, pursuing education through various forms of academia and developing bilingual speaking abilities.
“No other candidate has as recent education on their resume … I am looking at this as an objective process,” said Peret.
Ward 3 School Committee member Jason Dout empathized Ware’s “long-term vision” for CPS, while Ward 5 School Committee member Grace Schofield applauded him as a “relationship builder” and an “accountable and self-reflective” leader.
In his support for Ware, Barsalou criticized Morton for not addressing an underlying issue with an unnamed school. Barsalou said he aired his concerns several times to Morton.
“Nothing has changed … A lot of people are angry and upset and don’t want to go to work,” said Barsalou.
During his visit to Ware’s school district, Ward 6 School Committee member Samuel Shumsky said students shared that Ware “gets us.”
“That was something that really struck with me … I believe it’s time for a change in the community,” said Shumsky.
The School Committee were gridlocked during their Jan. 31 votes, voting 6-5 twice in favor Ware. Neither vote achieved the eight-vote majority that was required to name a candidate, leading to additional votes on Feb. 6.
During the School Committee briefing for the Feb. 6 meeting, Girouard detailed Morton’s ability to expand several city programs, such as career technical education and universal preschool, during his superintendent tenure. He feared that voting for a new candidate could halt the district’s positive momentum.
“We can’t afford to take six to eight months [of learning] and fall behind ... we need to expand the programs and expand them now,” said Girouard.
Wagner explained that the average turnover rate for superintendents in Massachusetts is six years. He said Morton’s dedication to the area makes him a potentially steadying force for the superintendent position.
Peret reiterated her support for Ware’s passion and commitment toward education.
“He just instilled a passion about what he was doing … He was enthusiastic about being a part of our school system,” said Peret.
Benard said change is often feared, but it is often required in order for people and entities to “reach their full potential.”
Vieau said he would support either candidate that was chosen. He also said that the superintendent search process may have not rewarded Morton a fair chance to prove he could excel in the role.
“Maybe we should’ve reevaluated [Morton] after a year and said, ‘Do we want to continue with what we are doing,” said Vieau.
Wagner and Szetela-Lopes ultimately decided to change their votes in favor of Ware. Szetela-Lopes said she informed Morton of her changed vote prior to the meeting, while Wagner believed changing his ballot was best for “moving the school district forward.”
Ware won the vote by an 8-3 margin. The School Committee then finalized Ware’s selection with a 10-1 vote. He formally accepted the position, pending contract negotiations, in a phone call with Vieau. The committee will now work over the next 90 days to establish a contract with Ware.