Copyright MassLive
CHICOPEE — In March, Donald Lamothe, the longtime School Committee member representing Ward 7, decided he would not seek re-election. In his stead, Rafael “Ray” Nazario, a veteran and community advocate, seeks the position. He is running unopposed. Nazario, 44, works as an artist and a public relations consultant. His hope for School Committee is to prioritize equipping students and teachers with the tools that will help them succeed. Ahead of Tuesday, Nov. 4, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the opposed City Council and School Committee seats to answer a short questionnaire. Each council candidate was asked the same four questions. A different set of four identical questions were sent to the candidates for School Committee. Over the next several days, The Republican will be publishing the candidates’ answers to the questions in print. Find more candidates and responses at masslive.com/topic/election. Name: Ray Nazario Age: 44 Address: 225 Prospect St. Profession: Military retired / artist / PR consultant Position running for: School Committee Ward 7 Introductory statement: As a veteran, father, and community advocate with a master’s degree in Business Administration from the School of Isenberg UMass Amherst, I’m committed to building a stronger bridge between our schools, families, and city leadership. I believe education should awaken curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, not just prepare students for tests. My focus is to support teachers, modernize classrooms, and expand programs in digital media, the arts, and vocational training. Chicopee’s children deserve the opportunity to grow not only academically, but personally and spiritually, into confident young leaders. I bring a combination of service-driven discipline, creative vision, and business insight to ensure our schools meet the needs of today’s learners while preparing them for tomorrow’s world. What letter grade would you give the school system? Why? Assigning a letter grade to our school system feels two dimensional. Finances shape what teachers can access, and students don’t all receive the same support at home. What I do see are teachers giving A-level effort every day, stretching limited resources to reach every child. Our focus should be on creating the right conditions for excellence, investing in tools, training, and community partnerships that empower both teachers and students to thrive. What is the biggest challenge the schools face? The biggest challenge is bridging engagement gaps, between students, parents, and teachers. Many students are capable of self-directed learning, while others need more one-on-one support. We must create flexible learning models that allow independent learners to grow while giving teachers more time for those who struggle. Strengthening family involvement and mentorship programs will also help students see the purpose behind their education. How should the School Committee address any loss of funding? I’m starting with action: “I will not accept pay or funding as a School Committee member. The burden belongs on leaders, not the people.” We must think boldly and act efficiently, tightening budgets without harming classrooms, pursuing grants, and building partnerships with local businesses, colleges, and nonprofits. By aligning community resources with school goals, we can preserve strong programs and prioritize teacher support, innovation, and real results where they matter most, inside the classroom. With the MCAS no longer a condition of graduation, what should the diploma requirements be? A Chicopee diploma should represent both knowledge and readiness. Students should demonstrate understanding through project-based learning, portfolio work, and community service, not just exams. A senior capstone, creative or civic in nature, would showcase a student’s skills, leadership, and contribution to their community. This approach builds graduates who are not only prepared for college or careers but equipped to make a difference in the world.
