DESE Acting Commissioner to address Holyoke receivership transition

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – We’re expecting to hear more about plans to de-transition Holyoke Public Schools from state control.

The Acting Commissioner of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Russell Johnston will meet with the Education Secretary at Wellesley High School in the Greater Boston area on Tuesday. Johnston plans to discuss state receivership districts, including Holyoke, which has been under receivership since 2015. The state made the rare decision to place the district in receivership, citing its “chronic underperformance.”

Holyoke created a turnaround plan after the receivership that outlined goals and improvements, and since then, the district has seen increased graduation rates, expanded programs, and invested more than $20 million in infrastructure. A letter was sent to the state’s education commissioner in December that outlines goals for the district moving forward.

In March, the state said it will begin helping Holyoke transition out of receivership so the district can make decisions for students and families.

Local News

Amherst Pelham Regional Public Schools Committee appoints new superintendent

The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce holds annual food tasting event, ‘Feast in the East’

Biden administration considers cannabis rescheduling

Springfield non-profit joins forces with local community college

22News began broadcasting in March 1953 providing local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Follow WWLP-22News on X @WWLP22News and Facebook .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.