DESE review: Chicopee superintendent, staff point to shifting student needs, improved attendance

Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Belleville presented results of a Massachusetts DESE comprehensive district review and the district’s accountability metrics, emphasizing demographic shifts and recent improvements in attendance.

Belleville said Chicopee’s 2024–25 year‑end enrollment was 6,755 students and that the district’s October 1 submission showed 6,625 students; she said part of the decline reflects the closure of local shelters and hotels. She reported an approximate 50‑student decline in English‑language learners and a notable increase in students with disabilities compared with 2019 (about 225 more students on IEPs). "Our demographics have changed. The needs of our students have changed," Belleville said.

Belleville summarized the DESE review, which produced a 111‑page report (to be posted on the district website). The review praised the district’s collaborative leadership, transparent budgeting and stakeholder engagement, and noted strengths such as expanded instructional coaches and curriculum work. Areas flagged for growth included reducing chronic absenteeism, aligning and implementing elementary curriculum materials, improving consistency in districtwide data use, and addressing student mental health and behavioral supports.

On MCAS and accountability, Belleville and the superintendent addressed state changes after Question 2. Belleville said the district must maintain high participation (state guidance expects roughly 95% participation for accountability) but is placing more operational emphasis on internal benchmark data (three times per year) for earlier feedback to schools. She said some MCAS participation patterns statewide (including reduced time on task on some items) have complicated direct comparisons with prior years.

Belleville reported improvements in attendance: districtwide October attendance measured 94.9%, and chronic absenteeism dropped from 19.7% to 14.3% year over year. She tied attendance work to academic outcomes and described specific tools the district has deployed, including a graduation tracker, an intervention tracker for elementary schools, a data hub for schools and expanded professional development for inclusion and instructional practice.

Committee members asked how DESE findings align with the superintendent’s goals; Belleville and Dr. Ware said they are in alignment and that benchmark data and follow‑up presentations will provide further detail at future meetings.