From left: Candidate Jeffrey L. Gosselin, Incumbent Diane Mayhew, and Incumbent Bo Sullivan. (Photo by Peter Currier)
WESTFIELD- The candidates for the Westfield School Committee participated in a forum Tuesday evening at the Senior Center to talk about the issues they want to focus on in the next School Committee term.
The forum was organized by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) and The Westfield News. GWCC Director Kate Phelon was the forum’s moderator.
There were originally supposed to be four candidates participating in the forum, but committee member Ramon Diaz Jr. was unable to attend. Candidate Jeffrey Gosselin, incumbent Diane Mayhew, and incumbent Bo Sullivan participated in the public event.
Each candidate was given two minutes to make an opening statement. After that, each candidate was given the same three questions for which they had three minutes to answer each one. At the end, each candidate was allowed three minutes to make a closing statement.
Gosselin began first with his opening statement in which he said it would be a privilege to serve on the School Committee as a professional educator and local leader. He touted his more than 30 years of experience in public education. He was once a teacher in Springfield, and adjunct faculty member at Westfield State University, and once helped develop and implement a plan for the Plus Internship program at the Carson Center. He currently works in the Northampton Public School system as an education support professional and sits on the Westfield Commission for Citizens with Disabilities.
Mayhew spoke about her study of food service management and time working in that field at Baystate Noble Hospital and Westfield State University. She cited her experience managing part of the program at WSU. She said it kept her interacting with the students and the general public. She then said that her children have gone through Westfield Public Schools and spoke of her time volunteering for school events.
Sullivan spoke about his time going through school the schools, from Highland Elementary, South Middle School, Westfield High School, and then the University of Hartford before moving back to Westfield. Sullivan said that his two daughters went through Westfield’s schools and excelled as a result. He is the chief administrative officer at the Boys and Girls Club. Sullivan also cited his volunteer work with the Jimmy Fund, the YMCA, and Noble Hospital.
The first question Phelon asked was what letter grade the candidate would give to the overall Westfield school system.
Gosselin graded the schools with a ‘B.’ He said that he wants to see students excel further than they already are. He cited Northampton schools and how he wants to use his experience within their system to help Westfield’s.
“I want more, I want to do better. I wouldn’t have run for the Westfield School Committee if I didn’t think we could do better for our kids, and our teachers, and our community,” said Gosselin.
Mayhew gave the schools an ‘A’ grade. She cited the increased opportunities for students to be prepared for a competitive workforce through each level of schooling. She said that Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski has helped them move forward in working in collaboration with colleges and the workforce.
Sullivan also gave an ‘A’ grade. He cited how his involvement in the last year has showed him how hard the teachers work in and out of the classroom. He also noted that students seem to want to succeed and work hard for where they want to be. Sullivan highlight business involvement in schools to help kids understand their opportunities after graduation.
“People in the community want to help. They want to make sure the students get what they need to get a better education to better themselves in life,” said Sullivan.
The second question asked: What is the most significant struggle in the school department, and what is your solution? Also, can you identify an area of success or progress within the school system?
Mayhew said that special education has been a struggle with finding funding and teachers to actually get the job done. Because it has been hard to find teachers, special education needs have been outsourced. She said that finding funding and employees will improve special education dramatically.
She then cited student testing scores increasing over the last eight years. as a success, as well as increased enthusiasm in Westfield schools.
Sullivan agreed and said special education is the biggest struggle. He said that the solution is for the State House of Representatives to vote “yes” on the expansion education bill, which took place the following day on Wednesday. He then said that the school buildings need to be upgraded. The newest Westfield school building was built in the 1970’s. He went so far as to suggest that the two high schools be merged somehow.
“Abner Gibbs is over 100 years old. That school needs to be shut down. There are students in that neighborhood who can’t go to that school because they can’t get to the second floor,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan then said that success lies in the increased volunteerism within the school system.
Gosselin said teacher retention is an issue, and there is an aging population of teachers. He said that young people do not seem to be going to school to become teachers and that this will catch up with the city eventually.
“Teaching is a building process, it takes time to learn that,” said Gosselin.
He said that former Mayor Daniel Knapik’s “Go Green” plan for the old high school has been a success. The school system’s recycling and green initiatives have been positive in his eyes.
The third question asked: Special education costs continue to rise, and services are being outsourced. How do you envision schools to provide the best possible special education services while staying in budget and staying within the district?
Sullivan said that outsourcing may not be a bad thing necessarily. He said that it can save money because the city does not need to pay $250,000 in healthcare costs each year if the services are outsourced. He noted he would always rather special education services happen in the city. He then spoke of the education bill again as a solution to the special education budget struggles.
Gosselin said that outsourcing can cost more money than providing the services in the district. He mentioned the GOALs (Gaining Opportunity through Access, Learning, and Supports) program in Northampton that brings special education students to his school to have professionals like art therapists supplement their education.
Mayhew said that they have been working over the years to bring special education back to Westfield. She cited the funding from the education bill that will put $90 million across state school systems over four years that may help. She indicated that she thinks the outsourcing will go away eventually.
To close, Gosselin reiterated his 30 years of education experience and his professional record. He said that education is as good as what one wants to use it for, noting his grandfather having just an eighth grade education was vice president of the Dexter’s Corporation, which Gosselin said was because he had a vision and a plan, despite not finishing school.
Mayhew closed by noting her lack of political agenda and her desire to advocate for the students and the city schools. She said that she is proud of the direction the schools have been taking and hopes for it to continue.
“I feel that serving as a member of the School Committee is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs I have ever taken,” said Mayhew.
Sullivan closed by saying that the city and its people are dedicated to the kids in the schools. He said he started on the School Committee suddenly to fill the seat a year ago without the idea that he would run for reelection, but that things have changed. He spoke of his involvement in the school budget and how it didn’t ask for any more money than last year. He also mentioned the success of the one-to-one Chromebook program that he would like to see expanded to other schools.
The election is Nov. 5.
