City Council

Minutes from the City Council-School Committee Joint Meeting on Tuesday November 18, 2024 at 6:32 pm in the City Hall Auditorium are as follows: Laflamme, Frank N., Pres. At-Large Councilor Present Roy, Gerard (Jerry) A. At-Large Councilor Present Wagner, Timothy At-Large Councilor Present Zygarowski, Robert J. At-Large Councilor Present Arriaga, Abigail Ward 1 Councilor Present Brooks, Shane D. Ward 2 Councilor Present via Zoom Goff, Susan Ward 3 Councilor Present Balakier, George A. Ward 4 Councilor Present Krampits, Fred T. Ward 5 Councilor Present Shumsky, Samuel Ward 6 Councilor Present Courchesne, William C. Ward 7 Councilor Absent Labrie, Gary R. Ward 8 Councilor Present Pniak-Costello, Mary-Beth Ward 9 Councilor Present Mayor Vieau Chairman, School Committee Present Szetela-Lopes, Susan At-Large School Committee Present Rousseau, Deanna Ward 1 School Committee Absent Barsalou, David Ward 2 School Committee Present Dout, Jason Ward 3 School Committee Present Peret, Sandra Ward 4 School Committee Present Schofield, Grace Ward 5 School Committee Present Brooks, Carlton Ward 6 School Committee Present Lamothe, Donald Ward 7 School Committee Present Girouard, Douglas Ward 8 School Committee Present Benard, Ronald Ward 9 School Committee Present Mayor Vieau made welcoming remarks. Stated the meeting is to fill the vacancy on the School Committee. Needs a majority of the members or 13 votes. Candidates will be sequestered. Names were drawn randomly, five minutes to speak they will be asked two questions, after speaking they may join the audience. No limit to the number of nominees. Cast vote for one individual. Top three the chair will announce until one gets to 13 votes. The person will take the oath in the Clerks office. Ms. Rousseau is absent and abstaining from voting as her husband is a candidate. Joel McAuliffe offers himself as an applicant for the vacant seat. Thank Chester Szetela for years of service. Had the pleasure of knowing him. Serving the community I love. Masters degree, pursuing doctorate. Work since he left the political world, worked at the Holyoke Public schools. Belong working in schools, third year as an administrator at Dean Tech. Oversee a staff of 18 teachers, place students in cooperative jobs. Promote and expand our own district. Life mission is to serve. First question, evident the primary issue is to find ways to increase our test scores. District is invested in CTE. Share skills necessary, stay and contribute to the city pathway programs at Chicopee High. Second question, come into process having to evaluate the staff. Evaluate the performance of the Superintendent, pay attention to playbook of Superintendent. Set expectations. Financial, meet needs of diverse schools. Work with clear communication, check on goals. Mark McCarthy, pres has a son in his 2nd year at Szetela pre K. Served as Vice President of the PTO, hopes quality and hope to help underserved. Hope the teachers feel supported. Hope the MCAS removal helps. Not a licensed teacher in Mass. Supervisor help teach teachers, the district is working with Baypath. Places to get better. Doing well but we can get better, educational research, academic knowledge, earn confidence. Students learning first. Time to be an advocate. First question-literacy first, leads to other successes. Early literacy. Working with DESI funding experience. Second question- communication first of all. Share an ideological vision of what school should be. Don’t just accept, embrace rolls set goals for a collective effort. Felicita Cintron, resident since 2017 licensed social worker with two teenage boys. Professional and parent, importance. Background, open minded, listen, believe in compromise. Value diversity, team player. Member of the committees for the DA. Work to support struggling students. Make sure teachers have tools, utilize knowledge and expertise to help. Passion about education. Compromise when needed. Skills are valuable. First question-see the struggles of children and how it impacts the ability to engage in the classroom. Use clinical skills. Bring expertise to the team, will be helpful. Second question-very strong skills. Facilitating conversation. Clear communication to deal with the issue at hand. Make sure to understand both sides. Christopher Acevedo, twenty year resident of Chicopee. Dedicated parent, 4 children of school age, 2 children graduated from Chicopee High. Prepared for many challenges. Excellent communication skills. Fiscal responsibility, approach with transparency, integrity. Military, team work and collaborating. Work with the labor unions. Ask you to consider together we can make a difference. First question-discipline issue in a lot of the schools. Can’t receive a quality education with all the discipline issues, improve/work through the system. Hold students accountable. Second question-teamwork, big factor, have to work together. Colleague not working against. Work with, have shared goals, open line of communication. Jessica Avery, American education week, thank Chester Szetela. Appoint at a critical time. History is hardworking and resilient, witnessed mother working as a para, teach during Covid. Schools, knowledge, Reach group went to Colorado. Was a site coordinator at children first, public service. Public and non- profit management, worked on the Soldiers Home. Campaign manager for Shirley Arriaga. Public service must be done in the world, studying Spanish. Data shows significant gaps in special needs. Special education safety concerns. Transportation. Opportunity for growth, would be honored to represent Chicopee. First question – data shows over 72% are high needs, 66% are low income, need to look outside the classroom. Ways to maximize funding, one on one tutoring. Second question – communication, accountability and transparency are all key. Work with the Superintendent. Jason Fay, thank Chet for 60 plus years of dedicated service. Attended Chicopee public schools, retired correctional officer. Last 20 years working at the jail was a tough 20 years. Coached for the last 26 years. Feel this is a perfect opportunity to give back. Two children in school, one at Comp and one at Dupont. Help kids, support staff. Was a teacher. First question – safety, feel there is a lot going on around the country, make contributing members of society. Ways to train/make policies. Make fun/not go to school, scared. Get better every day. Second question – get everybody on the same page. Coaching background, put a plan in place and have everyone work together. Get parents involved as much as we can. Theresa Thibault, raised two children in the Chicopee School system. If chosen imagine supporting the committee. Safe place for teachers and students. Plant manager, skill set, wore many hats, would like the opportunity to help the city. First question – safety for students, feel like engagement, so many distractions. Have to be programs to implement to give kids a sense of security, feel like they belong. Don’t have a lot of experience. Second question – have experience working in a team environment. Work as a team implementing, can’t achieve goals alone, depend on each other. Work together, could be an asset. Rafael Nazario, thank you for providing the opportunity. Grew up in Springfield, saw what could happen. Moved to Florida joined the Navy, learned truth in education. Involved in politics/provide representation. Everything should be by merit. Function for you. Stay at home dad. Completed MBA. Women get disenfranchised, being a parent is the highest calling we could have. First question – take to professionals Superintendent, teachers, principals, get information. Second question – individuals are not necessary. Know what academia is needed for children. Use technology be better troops. Listen to the Superintendent. Yvette Tootle, Ward 3, work at Baystate Academy, second time before you. Ben a public servant/public schools ever since. Family is in Chicopee. Has a grandson. The school system is up there with others in the commonwealth. Experience, knows the business of education. School boards need to be held accountable. Experience qualifications make a broad candidate. First question – literacy initiative and staffing concerns. Have to have teachers/quality teachers. How we grow our teachers. Some of the best started as Paras. Literacy, grow great readers. Have to be literate for everything else. Second question – School committee not separate entities, all have a vested interest. Transparency. Each school vision/mission statement. Will trickle down. Growing graduates, issues brought forth, hopefully from schools. Representative of the community. James Tanhauser, letter read by Dr. Ware, experience would be a great asset to the School Committee. From 2018-2022 represented Ward 1 on the School Committee. Served as chair of the curriculum subcommittee. Visited every K-12 school. Confident, share a similar view with Dr. Ware. Thank Chet Szetela, promise to serve with unwavering commitment. Former colleagues can attest. Omar Irizarry, express strong interest deep commitment. Master in non- profit. Lived in Chicopee for 10 years, 3 children, Comp, Bellamy and Lambert Lavoie. Coaching, works for Department of Mental Health. Hands on support, bridge programs, emotional disturbances. Attend the Special Ed Advisory Council. Reducing violence. Is the 2nd VP for the food bank of Western Mass. Professional roll, transparency. Prioritize Chicopee students. Potential stated budget cuts on the horizon. Continue to provide the best education. Committed to advocate for youth and families. First question – mental health and behavioral needs of students, families and staff. Schools have daunting task. Collaborate with community partners. Second question – addressing what brings us together. Passionate to address what we value as a community, strategic planning, work together. Mayor stated was excited to have 11 members interested to serve. --School Committee Peret nominated Felicita Cintron 2nd by Councilor Pniak-Costello. School Committee Peret on Felicita Cintron think she would add depth to the committee. Motion defeated by a roll call vote of 7 yes, 15 no. Laflamme, Wagner, Pniak-Costello, Vieau, Barsalou, Peret & Schofield voting yes. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --School Committee Szetela Lopes nominated Yvette Tootle 2nd by President Laflamme. Motion tied 11 yes, 11 no. Wagner, Goff, Krampits, Pniak-Costello, Vieau, Szetela-Lopes, Barsalou, Dout, Peret, Schofield & Lamothe voting yes. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Councilor Brooks nominated Jason Fay 2nd by President Laflamme. Councilor Shumsky about Jason Fay safety is the number one priority. Councilor Brooks stated the day there was a scare at Chicopee Comp his daughter was on crutches that day. Believe Mr. Fay will bring a level of respect. Councilor Wagner stated first day of sophomore year appreciate Mr. Fay strong stance of safety. Gald to see candidate. Don’t think that should be only go, other candidates broader range. Councilor Labrie stated 46 year resident worked with students teacher/coach, all about the kids. School Committee Girouard stated thank all the candidates. Plug for Jason Fay saw him grow up, no I in team, no better roll than to be willing to work together. School Committee Szetela Lopes stated Jason had several conversations with Mr. Szetela over the years about serving on the school committee. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 14 yes, 8 no. Roy, Wagner, Arriaga, Goff, Balakier, Shumsky, Peret and Lamothe voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Councilor Wagner nominated Omar Irizarry 2nd by President Laflamme. Councilor Wagner stated has a well rounded skill set, tremendous resume. School Committee Lamothe stated hope he will run if he doesn’t make it this time. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated thank everyone that applied, social and emotional background very helpful at this time. Don’t believe anyone is fluent in more than one language. School Committee Dout stated add sentiments most recently went through the gauntlet. Direction, spoke to mental health. Well rounded approach to mental health. Feeling echo what I shared three years ago. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 14 yes, 8 no. Zygarowski, Brooks, Balakier, Krampits, Shumsky, Labrie, Brooks and Girouard voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Councilor Arriaga nominated Jessica Avery 2nd by President Laflamme. Councilor Arriaga stated lifelong resident, resume is phenomenal. What she brings to the table is what we need in Chicopee. School Committee Brooks stated Mr. Irizarry speaks Spanish fluently. Councilor Shumsky stated work at the Soldiers home, went as a kid. School Committee Peret stated thanks to everyone who put in a resume. Support Jessica she has been present at Council and School Committee meetings. Councilor Wagner stated acknowledge efforts and qualifications. Grandfather served in WWII bond on the House of Representatives side. Work on supporting was invaluable. School Committee Dout stated would be remiss if he didn’t point out came in with numbers and statistics have a connection who you are working with and for. Do homework, capable of listening. Who the student population is. School Committee Szetela Lopes stated solid platform. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 22 yes, 1 no. Councilor Brooks voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Councilor Labrie nominated Theresa Thibault 2nd by Councilor Wagner. Councilor Shumsky stated Terry is a political outsider, good candidate to have. School Committee Lamothe stated different prospective, good to have a business background. School Committee Schofield stated believe safety of the students important point work as a team. Pull up sleeves and do what’s best for the children. Do what’s best for the children. School Committee Benard stated very involved in PTO, worked in food service. Good feather in her cap. Also coached a lot of years. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 15 yes, 7 no. Laflamme, Zygarowski, Arriaga, Balakier, Labrie, Dout, and Lamothe voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Councilor Balakier nominated Christopher Acevedo 2nd by School Committee Girouard. School Committee Lamothe stated has 4 kids at home, brings a different perspective. Everyone can’t be on the same side of the coin. Councilor Shumsky stated discipline skills. Councilor Wagner stated got to know Mr. Acevedo’s wife, commitment to be informed. Political outsiders. School Committee Schofield stated he brought up fiscal responsibility. School Committee Benard stated common sense in what he said, kids in Chicopee Schools. Thank you, veteran. Discipline issues in the school a top priority. School Committee Peret stated thank you for your service, each is accountable for their own actions. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 14 yes, 8 no. Laflamme, Roy, Zygarowski, Arriaga, Brooks, Goff, Balakier, and Labrie voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Councilor Pniak-Costello nominated Rafael Nazario 2nd by President Laflamme. Motion tied by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 11 no. Laflamme, Roy Wagner, Zygarowski, Arriaga, Brooks, Balakier, Krampits, Shumsky, Labrie, and Benard voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Councilor Balakier nominated Joel McAuliffe 2nd by President Laflamme. Councilor Balakier stated thank all many candidates, unfortunately only filling one at large seat. Served with Joel on the City Council, worked hard. Working on his PHD, served on the Zoning Committee, inquisitive mind. School Committee Lamothe stated agree, only one that answered the question the way it should have been answered. How long will he stay? Don’t want to be back here in another month. Councilor Wagner stated came to know very well early years on the council. Endorsed candidacy to succeed father. Over the course of the campaign not very appreciative of. Had to get TV ad’s taken down, sent out mailers. Violation of campaign finance laws. Resume is phenomenal, not in favor of this applicant moving forward. Councilor Laflamme stated comment on Joel, did that all on his own. Did not do that together. School Committee Peret stated Joel has always struck as a hard worker, continued to do other things to do better for himself. School Committee Benard stated Joel offers a lot of experience, knows how the council works. School in Holyoke, valuable experience. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 15 yes, 7 no. Roy, Wagner, Arriaga, Brooks, Goff, Krampits, and Shumsky voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Councilor Goff nominated Mark McCarthy 2nd by Councilor Brooks. School Committee Peret stated brings a global approach to education, important to have a larger global prospective. Can be a key component. Be more aware of the world around us. Councilor Pniak-Costello stated was impressed with his resume. International school experience, a lot different. School Committee Szetela Lopes stated good interview. Councilor Goff stated very impressed with the resume. Need something new. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 16 yes, 5 no, 1 out of chair. Councilor Krampits out of chair. Laflamme, Arriaga, Balakier, Labrie and Benard voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. -- School Committee Lamothe nominated James Tanhauser 2nd by President Laflamme. Councilor Wagner stated Tanhauser brings a wealth of experience. School Committee Lamothe stated dedicated member, spoke his mind. School Committee Peret stated active member, didn’t hesitate to share his opinion. Motion passed by a roll call vote of 11 yes, 10 no, 1 out of chair. Councilor Krampits out of chair. Arriaga, Brooks, Goff, Shumsky, Labrie, Szetela Lopes, Dout, Schofield, Brooks, and Benard voting no. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Motion made by Councilor Wagner to close nominations. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Vote was taken by choice: Laflamme for McAuliffe, Roy for McCarthy, Wagner for Avery, Zygarowski for Fay, Arriaga for Avery, Brooks for Fay, Goff for McCarthy, Balakier for McAuliffe, Krampits for Acevedo, Shumsky for McCarthy, Labrie for Fay, Pniak-Costello for McCarthy, Vieau for Fay, Szetela Lopes for McCarthy, Barsalou for Tanhauser, Dout for Irizarry, Peret for McCarthy, Schofield for Thibault, Brooks for Fay, Lamothe for Tanhauser, Girouard for Fay, Benard for Thibault. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Motion made by School Committee Schofield for a two minute recess at 9:29. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. -- Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to return to the regular order of business at 9:35. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Vote taken: Laflamme, Balakier, & Lamothe voting for McAuliffe. Roy, Wagner, Goff, Shumsky, Pniak-Costello, Szetela Lopez, Dout, and Peret voting for McCarthy. Zygarowski, Brooks, Krampits, Labrie, Vieau, Barsalou, Brooks, and Girouard voting for Fay. Arriaga voting for Avery. Schofield and Benard voting for Thibault. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Vote taken: Laflamme, Balakier, Schofield, & Lamothe voting for McAuliffe. Roy, Wagner, Goff, Shumsky, Pniak-Costello, Szetela Lopez, Dout, and Peret voting for McCarthy. Zygarowski, Brooks, Krampits, Labrie, Vieau, Barsalou, Brooks, and Girouard voting for Fay. Arriaga voting for Avery. Benard voting for Thibault. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Vote taken: Laflamme, Zygarowski, Brooks, Krampits, Labrie, Vieau, Barsalou, Brooks, and Girouard voting for Fay. Roy, Wagner, Arriaga, Goff, Shumsky, Pniak-Costello, Szetela Lopes, Dout, Peret, Schofield, Lamothe and Benard voting for McCarthy. Balakier voting for McAuliffe. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Vote taken: Laflamme, Zygarowski, Brooks, Balakier, Krampits, Labrie, Vieau, Barsalou, Brooks, and Girouard voting for Fay. Roy, Wagner, Arriaga, Goff, Shumsky, Pniak-Costello, Szetela Lopes, Dout, Peret, Schofield, Lamothe and Benard voting for McCarthy. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. --Vote taken: Laflamme, Zygarowski, Brooks, Labrie, Vieau, Barsalou, Brooks, and Girouard voting for Fay. Roy, Wagner, Arriaga, Goff, Balakier, Krampits, Shumsky, Pniak-Costello, Szetela Lopes, Dout, Peret, Schofield, Lamothe and Benard voting for McCarthy. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. Mark McCarthy voted new School Committee at Large member. Adjournment:--Motion made by Councilor Shumsky to adjourn at 10:01. Motion passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Courchesne and Rousseau absent. ATTEST: Keith W. Rattell, City Clerk