Chicopee School Committee approves $982K in warrants, advances five policies

CHICOPEE -- December 17, 2025, Chicopee School Committee approves nearly $1 million in warrants and passes five policies at final meeting of the term. At the December 17 session, the 12-member board voted 10-2 to approve a bills warrant totaling $848,339.24, with Vice Chair Donald Lamothe, completing his 12th term after more than 24 years of service, and member Grace Schofield voting no over a roughly $62,000 settlement Lamothe said "is going to basically put us in a position where it's going to change our policy on how we do things in the school department." A second warrant of $134,260.91 passed unanimously. The committee also voted unanimously to send a letter of support to Senator John Villas for legislation easing educational transitions for military-connected families, and entered executive session to discuss strategy for superintendent contract negotiations. Facilities Director Scott Chaplin reported the city has authorized Mayor John Vieau to negotiate a $2.3 million purchase of 219-225 Exchange Street to house school administration, with the current 134 Dulong Circle lease expiring August 9. Four members, Lamothe, Doug Girard, Sandra Perrette, and Dr. Mark McCarthy, attended their final regular meeting; Girard and Perrette will serve as Ward 8 City Councilor and city Collector, respectively.