The chorus program at Westfield Middle School took precedence after the agenda was adjusted to allow a presentation from the school’s principal, Jesse McMillan, who introduced Ms. Valletta, the chorus teacher. The chorus program experienced a dramatic increase in student enrollment, surging from 27 students in the 2024-2025 school year to 71 students in the current year, requiring the creation of two sections for seventh graders. The eighth-grade chorus also saw robust engagement with 25 students participating. Principal McMillan attributed this success to Ms. Valletta, whose prior experience and dedication have made an impact on the program’s popularity and the community’s engagement. An event filling the auditorium to capacity underscored the program’s community support.

Students from the chorus shared their experiences, with eighth grader Sierra McBride describing the chorus room as a positive environment fostering camaraderie and creativity. Amelia Maar, the eighth-grade choir president, spoke about the opportunities and friendships music has provided her. Ms. Valletta expressed her enthusiasm for her first year and the support she received from both staff and administration. A live performance by the choir, featuring songs “A Beautiful Noise” and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody,” was met with applause, highlighting the program’s cultural and educational impact.

In financial developments, a new gift account was approved for the Allied Health Program at Westfield Technical Academy, thanks to a substantial unrestricted gift of $150,000. This account will facilitate purchases for the program, subject to oversight by the business office. This move aligns with the existing setup for other programs at the academy.

The committee also approved a collective bargaining agreement with the Westfield Public School Custodian Association, covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. A similar agreement with the A-F-S-C-M-E, Local 346 Westfield Clerical Union, was ratified. Both actions were formalities, confirming previously reached agreements.

Field trips also occupied the committee’s agenda, with approvals for Westfield Middle School’s visit to the New England Air Museum and Westfield High School’s trip to Busch Gardens for a choir competition. Additionally, a trip to the True Colors S-O-G-I-E Youth Conference was sanctioned.

Significant donations were acknowledged, reflecting community support. These ranged from small contributions to substantial grants, such as a Gulfstream grant of $25,000 for aviation training equipment and a $38,000 Gleam Preschool grant for curriculum materials and training. Other grants included funding for cultural education and career pathways externships.

Attention was also directed to the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s Statement of Interest and the Westfield Public Schools Capital Plan. With a bid of $637,000 for tech school bathroom renovations, the committee was urged to engage with city counselors to secure funding for these unbudgeted repairs. Additionally, the Community Action Head Start program’s current building and its future use were discussed, with potential plans for its adaptation for district use to save on out-of-district placements.