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.