L to R) Scott R. Chapman, School Committee Chair; Gina S. Kahn, Risk Prevention Services Coordinator; Congressman Richard E. Neal; and Paul C. Gagliarducci, Superintendent of Schools; gather at the recent press conference at Minnechaug for the "Region-on-Call" federal grant presentation

Remarks by Scott Chapman, Chairperson
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee
November 2, 2006

 “Congressman Neal, on behalf of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee and all school committee members present, we are extremely honored and grateful for your presence at this event today.

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee takes pride in its efforts over the past several years, addressing the most important challenges of school safety and security. We have made significant advances in improving our district’s capacity for Emergency Response and Crisis Management, but we also know that there is always more work to do.

Collectively, the school districts of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative recognize the responsibility for school safety as one of our most important duties. This significant grant from the United States Department of Education through the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools will serve as a foundation to address mutual issues of school safety and emergency preparedness. During the grant’s 18-month award, our communities will tackle common challenges while improving communication between schools, municipal officials and safety personnel throughout the consortium. Through shared planning, training and resource development we will establish a model for the development of partnerships that facilitate continuous improvement in prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery strategies.

I personally would like to acknowledge the efforts of Ms. Gina Kahn, Risk Prevention Services Coordinator for our District, and the regional team that assisted in the development of this project. Their diligence, along with the support, leadership and vision of Dr. Donna Scanlon and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Gagliarducci, should be publicly commended. I would like to also acknowledge and thank the elected and appointed officials of the member towns present here today. We stand ready to work in partnership with them to continue our efforts to insure safe, secure, and educationally vibrant school environments throughout this consortium.