SPRINGFIELD — With Nov. 4 just days away, Reminder Publishing is finishing its last set of questionnaires for candidates on the ballot.
After winning the preliminary election in September, incumbent Christopher Collins and challenger Rosa Valentin will battle for the School Committee’s District 3 seat, which covers Ward 6 and 7.
Both candidates were sent the same three questions, and their names are listed in alphabetical order below.
Reminder Publishing: What qualities or experiences make you qualified to serve on the School Committee?
Collins: I began my career in the Springfield Schools in 1970 as a night custodian during my college years. I began teaching after graduation. My next position was Director of the Environmental Center. After Director, moved to the position of Assistant Principal of New North School. I also served as Principal of Warner School and my last position in the School Department was principal of Mary Lynch School.
I know the workings of the system from many levels. After retiring as a principal, I was elected to the Springfield School Committee. I am completing my 18th year on the committee. I served as Vice Chair for about half of those years. I have served on almost all the subcommittees. I have spent much of that time as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. The budget is one of the two most important functions of the School Committee. The other very important role is selecting and hiring the superintendent. I have served as the Chair of the last to Ad hoc Superintendent Search Committees. I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve the citizens of Wards 6 & 7. I have lived in that district my entire life and fully understand the needs of the district and needs of the schools.
Valentin: I bring over 35 years of experience in education, with 31 of those years proudly dedicated to Springfield Public Schools. I’ve served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, vice principal, supervisor and now Director of the Multilingual Learner Program. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a district instructor for educators, helping teachers implement best practices that strengthen instruction and support student growth.
Because I am coming directly from within the system, I understand the real challenges our schools face on a daily basis. I’ve seen where things work, and where they don’t. That gives me a clear lens to identify root causes of persistent issues and work proactively to create meaningful, sustainable solutions. I bring not just experience, but insight, action, and a deep commitment to our students, families, and educators.
RP: In your eyes, what are the top two most important issues facing the School Committee in the next 12 months?
Collins: Certainly the top issue will be the finances. We are in a very uncertain time in school funding. The issues facing Massachusetts and current mood of the federal government to reduce funding while attempting to exert control of both operations and curriculum of local schools. The next 12 months will require knowledge of the system and understanding of the budgeting process. The balancing of financial restrictions and needs of the schools will be difficult. I believe the School Committee needs to continue funding practice approach of sending financial resources to individual schools allowing each school to make spending decisions that meet their individual needs.
The School Committee during these turbulent times must support the Superintendent as she organizes the department to protect the schools from interference while holding them accountable for outcomes. The School Committee must continue to monitor the gap between the state and Springfield on achievement and support all efforts to close the gap for all students.
Valentin: The first priority is protecting and expanding access to high-quality education for all students, especially in the face of budget pressures. That means prioritizing not only programs that support student learning, language development, special education, and social-emotional well-being, but also investing in and supporting our teachers, who are at the heart of everything we do.
Our teachers need the right tools, training, and working conditions to do their jobs well. When we support our educators, we support our students.
The second priority is rebuilding trust and strengthening communication with families and the community. Parents and caregivers deserve to feel respected, informed, and included in the decisions that shape their children’s futures. By listening closely and working collaboratively, with families, teachers, and community partners, we can build stronger, more united schools.
RP: What is your message to voters ahead of the election?
Collins: I have been honored to serve the citizens of Wards 6 & 7 as there representative on the School Committee. Much has been accomplished during the time I have served. The students and schools have be at the center of all my decisions. There is still more that can be accomplished. One issue is to create stability and increased diversity in the ranks of teachers. I have suggested and will pursue a plan to develop and requite teachers from within our present student population. Simply put to develop and support the interest and desire of our students to become teachers and create pathways and incentives to facilitate. Our students are a definite source of individuals who already are connected to our community and are likely to become long term members of the teaching staff.
Valentin: This election is about creating a school system that truly works for our students, families and educators. For more than three decades, I’ve dedicated my life to education in Springfield. I’ve taught in the classrooms, led in schools, mentored teachers, and built programs designed to support student success.
Because I’m coming directly from the system, I understand its strengths, its challenges, and its root issues. I know how to bring people together to address problems proactively, and to make real, lasting change. I’m a lifelong educator, a neighbor and someone who deeply believes in the promise of public education.
I will bring my experience, insight, and heart to the School Committee so that together we can build schools where students thrive, teachers are supported, and families are heard. Our children deserve no less than our best.
