East Longmeadow School Committee Clears ELEAF Gala at New High School With Liquor License

EAST LONGMEADOW -- May 27, 2026, East Longmeadow School Committee clears path for community gala with alcohol at new high school. The committee voted 4-0 Monday to allow the East Longmeadow Education Advancement Foundation to host its annual winter fundraising gala at the new high school, subject to town counsel approval, a temporary liquor license, and a requirement for professional catering and bartending staff. Assistant Superintendent for Business Pamela Blair reported that a survey of roughly 300 superintendents statewide drew 11 responses, eight favorable, with comparable events held by Beverly Public Schools, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School, and others. The committee also approved 3-0 an updated community use of school facilities policy establishing scheduling priorities and a new fee structure, including a district-supplied lifeguard, for the Redstone Natatorium, set to open next fall. The committee accepted a $1,000 Amazon gift card from Young Writers awarded to Birchland Park Middle School seventh graders for top participation in the Stranger Sagas writing contest, and approved a modernized job description for its retiring 30-year payroll coordinator.