Incumbents Angela Thorpe and Gregory Thompson are being challenged by former principal Richard L. Freccero and newcomer William Bednarzyk, Jr.
From left, top row: Gregory Thompson, Angela Thorpe. Bottom row: Richard L. Freccero, and William Bednarzyk, Jr., EAST LONGMEADOW – Voters will choose two School Committee members on Tuesday during the annual Town Election.
The School Committee race is the only contested race on Tuesday.
Incumbents Angela Thorpe and Gregory Thompson are being challenged by Richard L. Freccero, the former principal of East Longmeadow High School, and newcomer William Bednarzyk, Jr., for two three-year seats on the committee.
The candidates participated in a debate March 31 at East Longmeadow High School where they discussed topics ranging from the school budget to athletic fees and the use of technology in the classroom.
Thorpe, who graduated from East Longmeadow High School in 1978, said she hopes to continue working at the state and national level to stop unfunded mandates.
“I have gone to Beacon Hill to rally against unfunded mandates. You wouldn’t believe how much they take out of our budget,” she said.
Thompson, an East Longmeadow High School graduate and father of two children in the East Longmeadow school system, said he will be vested in the schools for many years and wants to be a part of the decision-making process.
“I wholeheartedly believe in this system and want to keep the district moving forward,” he said.
Both Thorpe and Thompson said they are proud to be part of a committee that is preparing students with modern technology and that hired Gordon C. Smith as the new superintendent of schools.
Freccero, who was principal of East Longmeadow High School for 23 years, said he believes he can be an effective leader.
“I’m a taxpayer; a town resident for 24 years; I’m an educator; I’m a parent and, finally, I’m retired living on a fixed income. I feel a School Committee person has to be a good listener, know when to stand firm and know when to be flexible and I can do those things,” he said.
Parent and political newcomer William Bednarzyk Jr. has two children in the school system. He was most recently involved in getting a Transportation Task Force to look at the high cost of bus fees at the schools.
“I’m not a politician, so I think I can bring a fresh perspective to the board,” he said.
Incumbent Enrico J. Villamaino will run unopposed for his seat on the Board of Selectmen.
Also running unopposed are Daniel Burak for a seat on the Board of Public Works, Alessandro F. Meccia, for a seat on the Planning Board, and Martin J. Grudgen for a seat on the Board of Assessors. Amieland B. Singh and Claudine R. Brouchard will run for two seats on the library board of trustees.
The candidate’s debate can be seen at the East Longmeadow Community Access Television webpage
Candidates for 3-year term on East Longmeadow School Committee, two seats
Gregory Thompson
Position sought: School Committee
Age: 36
Occupation: Owner of Stripes Lawn Service in East Longmeadow
Education: Bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst; bachelor’s degree in education from Westfield State College
Elected office held: Board of East Longmeadow Library Trustees, 2005-2008; School Committee, 2008-present.
Angela Thorpe
Position sought: School Committee
Age: 50
Occupation: Small business owner and prevention specialist with Dow Jones & Co.
Education: Currently enrolled at Bay Path College studying elementary education
Elected office: School Committee member, 2005-present
Richard L. Fraccero
Position sought: School Committee
Age: 59
Occupation: Retired high school administrator; adjunct professor at American International College
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Elected office held: None
William Bednarzyk, Jr
Position sought: School Committee
Age: 40
Occupation: Server engineer for Baystate Medical Center
Education: Associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology from the Community College of the Air Force; associate’s degree in general science at American River College
Elected office held: None