EAST LONGMEADOW – Last week Reminder Publishing conducted a question and answer interview with candidates for the East Longmeadow Town Council, and this week, we do the same for the candidates for the School Committee. The East Longmeadow Annual Town Election will take place on June 2.

Current school committee member Gregory Thompson as well as former school committee member Elizabeth Marsian–Boucher filed papers to fill the two open school committee seats, which are both three–year terms.

The following is a question and answer interview with Thompson and Marsian–Boucher to discuss their backgrounds, how they feel the district has been running during the pandemic, and what the most important issues facing the school district are at this time.

Reminder Publishing (RP): Please share a short history of your background and experience and how it relates to a position on the school committee.

Elizabeth Marsian–Boucher: As a lifelong resident of East Longmeadow and a parent with a child in the school system, I want nothing more than to see our students have a rewarding educational experience. Ensuring our children are educated, cared for, and loved are the building blocks of a good life. Still working with students, and having owned and operated a private daycare and preschool for a combined 18 years, education has always been a part of my life. Additionally, I previously served nine years on the East Longmeadow School Committee, from 2010 to 2019.

Gregory Thompson: I First moved to East Longmeadow in 1982, and started third grade at Meadowbrook School.  I grew up here, went off to Umass and then Boston, before returning to our small town. Having attended the EL Public Schools, I have first hand knowledge of the education, how it has been, and as a 12-year School Committee member, I believe I have a good understanding on where we are now, and the direction we should be headed.

RP: Why did you decide to run – or run again – for school committee?

Marsian–Boucher:With the MSBA’s approval to enter into the next phase towards a new high school, it’s more important than ever to have engaged and experienced individuals on the school committee.

Thompson: I decided to run for School Committee for the first time 12 years ago just to volunteer my time to the town.  Having a background as an educator, and being a father of two daughters, I have a unique perspective to help continual improvement as part of a team here at ELPS.

RP: How do you feel the school district has handled the abrupt switch from learning in the classroom to learning online?

Marsian–Boucher: For the last several years ELPS and the town have worked collaboratively to ensure all students in grades 6 through 12 have a Chromebook, with sufficient resources available for elementary students. It’s been massively beneficial that our middle and high schools already had the technology, platform and teachers prepared to submit assignments online. Our elementary schools took on the challenge of creative learning for our youngest students. The biggest curve has been understanding what online learning looks like, because every grade, curriculum and situation is different.

Thompson: The school district was able to handle the abrupt switch in learning in the classroom to learning online in a relatively seamless manner.  The entire staff really stepped up and put the needs of kids and their education as the top priority.  The communication level has been great, and continues to improve as we move forward in these strange times.

RP: Do you feel students have the resources they need to be successful during this time?

Marsian–Boucher: This is by no means a perfect situation. Nothing can replace the cohesiveness of a classroom environment. I am proud that the teachers and staff of ELPS worked diligently to create online learning initiatives, while following state guidelines.  We are fortunate to have a computer or tablet for every student if they don’t have one at home. Face to face classes are being held,  guidance is supporting our students, and staff members are ready to help in any way possible.

Thompson: The students had the best resources available at the time of school closing   Fortunately, the prior year we had successfully completed implementation of a “one to one” computer initiative, meaning each student had their own Chromebook or Ipad that they could use at home to complete assignments and interact with their teachers and peers.  The entire staff was able to quickly adapt to the challenge to ensure students were continually learning.   The ELPS staff is the best around, and this unprecedented reaction to the changes in learning, has proven their dedication to our students.

RP: Aside from the pandemic – what do you feel are the most important issues facing the school district at this time?

Marsian–Boucher: Unfortunately the pandemic has created a massive budget situation for our schools. The damage is yet to be seen but our School Committee will work closely with Mr. Smith and his administration to make the best decisions for our students.  On a more exciting note is our acceptance into the MSBA program for ELHS. The timing could have been better but we need to work together to inform the community and support the next steps in the process.

Thompson: First off, there is no other place I would choose to have my two daughters, Anna Cait (16) and Aleigh (14), attend school.  I am convinced they are receiving a top notch education. That said, there are areas we can focus on for continual improvement, such as:  the improvement of our infrastructure and school buildings, the  continuation of full funding for education and preparation of our young people for success in life in the twenty-first century.  

RP: How do you plan to work to address the aforementioned issues over the course of your term?

Marsian–Boucher: Without a doubt, teamwork among School Committee members is vital to success. We need to look at the budget issue and have some give and take. With thoughtful planning and listening to the town government, our administrators, staff and most importantly the community, we will succeed in creating a solid budget that supports our students.     In reference to ELHS, communication with our community is key. We have to support the MSBA process, because we really only get one chance at it.

Thompson: In terms of our capital projects, we will need to work in conjunction with the Town Manager and Town Council and the citizens of this town, to ensure that funding is recommended for these important projects. It is also crucial that we continue to ensure education is funded, at a local, state and national level.  And finally, we must keep our eyes on the ever-changing future and how we can best prepare our students for when they are out in the real world.

RP: What are your thoughts on how the school committee is currently running? Is there anything you would work to change if you could?

Marsian–Boucher: I feel that our current committee has a good working rapport. It is hard to say if I would change any decisions that have been made this past year, because making decisions on behalf of the School Committee is a nuanced process. That said, when I am on the committee again, I have no issues with voicing my opinion on any matter.

Thompson: I believe that the current committee continues to be a vital part of the collaborative group that maintains a focus on top quality education here in Spartan country.

RP: Why should the residents of East Longmeadow vote for you?

Marsian–Boucher: During my previous nine years as a School Committee member I tried to be fair minded to new initiatives or concerns that arose. As a member I listened to and considered the opinions of other members, the administration and Mr. Smith. My approach was to be thoughtful and open minded, while standing my ground when I felt it was important. It is my desire to bring my years of knowledge, understanding and fairness back to the committee.

Thompson: It has been a great honor for me to serve as a school committee member for the last 12 years and I hope that I have earned the confidence from the voters to allow me to continue my work.