East Longmeadow School Committee approves alumni fundraiser at new high school

EAST LONGMEADOW — June 22, 2026 — East Longmeadow School Committee approves alumni fundraiser at new high school and honors two departing leaders. The committee voted 4-0 on June 22 to allow the East Longmeadow Alumni Association to hold a fundraising event — including alcohol service, pending Town Council approval — at East Longmeadow High School on November 7, 2026, aimed at raising money for Promethean boards. The vote was framed explicitly as a one-time authorization, with Superintendent Gordon Smith, in his final official meeting after roughly 16 years, stating he would "not like to set a precedent in an activity like this." The committee also unanimously approved Smith's summative evaluation for submission to the state. During public comment, paraprofessional Addie Carabetta told the committee she takes home $100 per paycheck after taxes and deductions, is "hit, kicked, spit at, and have objects thrown at me weekly," and warned that without adequate paraprofessional staffing "every single IEP is out of compliance." The three elementary buildings reported average daily attendance above 95 percent and kindergarten math proficiency at Meadowbrook reaching 84 percent, well above the 75 percent goal.