29-04-2025
Holyoke Public Schools to leave state control, union voices concerns
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke Public Schools will be exiting state receivership this summer.
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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.
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