CHICOPEE — With the Nov. 4 general election less than a month away, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to School Committee candidates on the ballot.
This year’s at large School Committee race includes two candidates for one seat. Incumbent Mark McCarthy will face off against newcomer Robert Cantin.
Reminder Publishing asked each candidate the same three questions so readers can get a taste of who they are and what they hope to accomplish if elected. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
More coverage on the upcoming Chicopee and Holyoke election will appear in future editions.
RP: What are some of your top priorities/issues you’d like to address in the first few months?
Cantin: As the district embarks on building new schools and upgrading facilities, while also engaging in ongoing contract negotiations, I would like to get up to speed on meeting the other members of the committee. I would also like to review the budgets for all of the issues that come before the committee. I would also like to address staff retention and shortages. School safety for all schools, including external and internal situations and what the committee can do to implement solutions.
McCarthy: My top priorities are improving literacy outcomes, supporting teacher well-being, and beginning a community dialogue about moving Chicopee Schools above the state’s minimum funding level. I’ll also press forward on infrastructure so every child learns in a safe, inspiring space.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Cantin: I have been a lifelong resident of Chicopee and am a proud product of the Chicopee Public School system. I have worked in the Chicopee Public School system for nearly 20 years. During that time, I served as a teacher for 17 years. After earning my master’s degree, I became a member of the administrative team at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, serving as the Academic CTE Coordinator.
Additionally, I have served on numerous committees in both teaching and administrative roles. These include, but are not limited to, the Health and Safety Committee, the COVID-19 Reopening Committee, union negotiations, serving as a building representative, and participating in the NEASC accreditation process.
McCarthy: I’m both a parent and a literacy teacher educator. I teach teachers how to teach kids to read, and I bring that professional expertise and personal commitment to ensuring every student in Chicopee has the resources, teachers, and opportunities they deserve.
RP: In your eyes, what are the top two most important issues facing the School Committee in the next 12 months?
Cantin: The district budget should have a comprehensive review to identify shortfalls in funding and to find ways to resolve those issues. The district needs to negotiate an equitable contract that will pay all of our staff members to be in line with other districts and must also address the current health insurance costs. The ongoing issue of building renovations and building new schools. The committee should be looking for more grant money for this and other issues.
McCarthy: First, addressing infrastructure, our educators are doing excellent work, but students deserve physical spaces that match their potential. Second, investing in staffing and retention, so Chicopee is known for great teachers who stay. All of this unfolds in a context of uncertainty in policy and funding, which makes our commitment to stability, planning, and community voice even more critical.
