PRESS RELEASE

CITY COUNCIL APPROVED BOND FOR MULTIPLE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING 

ADDED SECURITY AND AIR CONDITIONING OF SCHOOL CLASSROOMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CHICOPEE –

CHICOPEE –At the regularly scheduled meeting on July 2, 2019, the City of Chicopee City Council approved bonding in the amount of $3,817,000.00 as had been proposed by Mayor Richard J. Kos for school improvements.

The school bonding included monies to provide for air conditioning of all classrooms in the Chicopee Public Schools, replacing the turf field at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, adding and improving cameras, lighting, and doors at numerous school buildings, add lighting to the Chicopee High turf field, and provides for the build-out of space to expand educational opportunities at Chicopee Comprehensive High School.

Mayor Richard Kos said, “I thank the City Council for their support of these important initiatives which continues to provide a safe and effective environment for our students and educators throughout the City of Chicopee school district.”

“I am ecstatic that this past Tuesday night, the City Council passed a large bond package, part of which, will greatly benefit the Chicopee Public Schools and more specifically our students!” Superintendent Richard Rege said, “With the Mayor’s support and advocacy, this package will provide air conditioning for our older schools, a new turf field for Chicopee Comp, additional security cameras for all of our schools, a new parking lot at the Administration Building and several other important capital improvements which are sorely needed. I cannot overstate my gratitude for what Mayor Kos and this City Council has done to support our schools, staff and most importantly our students this past year with both the budget and now with this bond!”

Scott Chapdelaine, Chicopee School Department Facilities Manager (and soon to be City Facilities Manager) stated, “I am thrilled with the unanimous approval of this capital improvement bond. The Mayor and City Council have shown once again shown that schools are our top priority in our city. Students and staff will reap the benefits of these projects for years to come.”

It is anticipated that the air conditioning of classrooms will be accomplished in-house with the goal to average two classrooms per week.

The replacement of the turf at Chicopee Comprehensive High School will go out to bid this academic year and be ready for replacement next summer.

The lighting, cameras, and door improvements will take place throughout the coming school year. 

The improved lighting at the Chicopee High turf field will be coordinated with the Chicopee Electric Light Department.

The build-out of space for expanding the educational opportunities at Chicopee Comprehensive High School will be phased in, in a timely manner. 

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