Latest news with #AnthonySoto
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Public forum being held for Holyoke school superintendent search
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Holyoke School Committee wants to know what residents are looking for in a new superintendent of schools. Holyoke Public Schools is looking for a new superintendent who will lead the district out of state receivership and into local control. They are asking the community what qualities and skills they think are important for the job. Holyoke mayor delivers annual State of the City address The search team is inviting the public to share their thoughts during two in-person and one virtual forum over Zoom. The in-person forums are happening Monday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kelly Elementary School, and from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Holyoke High School. Anthony Soto is currently serving as the interim superintendent of schools. He was appointed to this position by a unanimous vote back in January. He has been the state receiver since 2021. Last month, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education put out a list of exit assurances that will support the district when receivership ends, and they go back to local control on July 1. They will also help guide the district as the school committee searches for a new superintendent to lead during this transition period. The school committee said back in January that stable leadership would be key during this transition. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Holyoke Public Schools to leave state control, union voices concerns
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke Public Schools will be exiting state receivership this summer. Holyoke DPW increases efforts to curb trash overflow, boost recycling efforts The transition out of state receivership is set to take place on July 1, but teachers in the district are saying control over the school still won't be back in the hands of educators. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provided Holyoke Public Schools with a list of exit assurances to support them during this transition, but the Holyoke Teachers Union sent a statement to 22News saying the state's plan for 'exit assurances' is just a continuation of state control, and that it nullifies educator decisions regarding working conditions and student learning conditions. The new exit plan redefines the 'receiver' role to the superintendent. Right now, Anthony Soto is serving as interim superintendent and receiver. He's been in the role for four years now. He'll continue to have control over schedules, staffing, decision making, and compensation. The plan also maintains priorities that will be enforced by the state for a two year period after receivership ends. Holyoke Public Schools says the assurances were made with feedback from the school committee and teachers' association. Commissioner Patrick Tutweiler says the assurances promote continued improvement and give stability to the work that's already been done. The assurances will be in place for the next two years while the school committee works to hire a permanent superintendent. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Six Holyoke educators awarded for excellence in teaching
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Six Holyoke Public Schools educators have been recognized with 2025 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching awards, honoring their impact on students and the community. Superintendent Anthony Soto, joined by Mayor Joshua Garcia, surprised each educator in their classroom on Monday, delivering flowers, balloons, and an official proclamation to celebrate the news of their selection. Parents, educators to protest against potential job cuts in Belchertown school district Since 2003, the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award has been presented annually to educators across western Massachusetts who demonstrate exceptional commitment and skill. More than 100 teachers are recognized each year. 'These educators go above and beyond for their students, colleagues, and the entire Holyoke community,' Soto said. 'We are incredibly proud to honor their work and dedication.' 2025 Holyoke Award Recipients: Jill Beyer-Hamel, special education teacher at E.N. White Elementary, is known for her collaborative approach to inclusive education and her commitment to supporting every student's individual needs. She has also contributed to districtwide efforts through the Teacher Retention Working Group and Teacher Advisory Group. Alexis Finn, English language arts teacher at Holyoke STEM Academy, designs impactful, standards-based lessons and leads professional development for colleagues. Beyond the classroom, she supports the school community as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team, the Middle School Working Group, and as a coach for local youth sports teams. Julia Miele, first-grade teacher at McMahon Elementary, uses data-driven strategies to support student growth while fostering strong relationships with families and colleagues. She is an active member of the district's Teacher Advisory Group and is known for her positive presence throughout the school. Maria Negroni, science teacher at Sullivan Middle School, is recognized for her high expectations and engaging lesson plans. She is praised for her teamwork, creativity, and her dedication to supporting students and families beyond the classroom. Richard Rodriguez, school adjustment counselor at Holyoke High School North, has created a supportive, restorative space for students. He helps students build skills in mindfulness and conflict resolution while working to ensure they feel safe, heard, and valued. Emma Rose, music teacher at Lawrence Elementary, has developed a vibrant music program for students in grades PreK-5 and helped shape a new elementary music curriculum as co-department head for Holyoke's music program. All six educators, along with other local nominees, were celebrated at a dinner at Wyckoff Country Club on February 27. They will also be recognized in April at a regional awards dinner hosted by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation. Each award winner received an engraved plaque, a $250 check, and tuition incentives or scholarships from seven local colleges and universities. They also received complimentary three-month memberships to the Springfield Jewish Community Center and a regional YMCA of their choice. Winners were also invited to apply for the Classroom Innovator Prize, a $250 award that supports creative, project-based learning ideas. Professional development opportunities are available for those interested in developing innovative projects for their students. 'These awards are a reminder of the incredible talent and dedication we have in our schools,' Mayor Garcia said. 'Our educators are truly the heart of our community, and we are grateful for the work they do every day.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Holyoke School Committee names interim Superintendent
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)– At Monday night's Holyoke School Committee meeting, Anthony Soto was approved as Interim Superintendent. The position is pending his contract negotiation and the school department exiting receivership. The committee cited the importance of the need for stable leadership during the transition back to local control in naming Soto. State control of Holyoke school district to be removed from underperforming status He had been appointed Receiver/ Superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools (HPS) by the state on July 1, 2021, after serving as the acting or interim receiver since earlier that year. The state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) took control over Holyoke Public Schools in April 2015 to help improve their test scores and graduation rates. The state decided to place the district in receivership, citing its 'chronic underperformance.' In November 2024 Holyoke Public School officials met with DESE to deliver Holyoke's strategic plan and highlighting key efforts for this school year, including implementing a comprehensive attendance plan to reduce chronic absenteeism and making sure students are producing grade-level work. They are hoping to get full control back in July 1, 2025. Holyoke is still in the process of hiring a permanent Superintendent. You can read more on Holyoke Schools' turnaround plan on their website. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
