The Springfield School Committee voted to approve a 45-day extension of the current interdepartmental agreement between Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Police Department that governs police access to school surveillance camera feeds.

Mayor Sarno introduced the item and thanked the subcommittee; he said, “We don't want this to lapse,” and the committee moved to extend the agreement so there would be no interruption in access. Superintendent Dr. Denault said the subcommittee held community input sessions and gathered “amazing, thoughtful, insightful ideas” that attorneys will consider for the new MOU language.

Attorney Saint Laurent (city counsel) clarified during discussion that extending the MOU for a longer term would not pose legal issues because it carries no direct financial implication. Committee members discussed the possibility of a longer term — Vice Chair Gonzales said he’d prefer a five-year term — but the committee proceeded with a 45-day extension to allow attorneys time to incorporate community suggestions and finalize recommendations at an upcoming legislative and contract subcommittee meeting. The superintendent said she expects the full committee to consider a finalized document at the January 23 meeting; the committee noted the existing agreement was due to lapse around January 10.

The roll-call vote on the 45-day extension was unanimous among members present.