Following a 32-year career at Holyoke Public Schools, Principal Cathy Hourihan of Lawrence School is set to retire in August, with current Metcalf School Principal Katherine “Katie” Bourque set to take on the principal role at Lawrence for the 2025-26 school year and beyond.
Ms. Hourihan touched the lives of thousands of students, families, and staff members,” said Superintendent Anthony Soto in a letter to Lawrence School staff and families. “Please join me in thanking Ms. Hourihan for her dedication to our Holyoke students, families, and staff. She will be missed, but the impact she has had on so many people will live on.”
Ms. Bourque is committed to building on the strong foundation that Ms. Hourihan and the Lawrence team have in place. She is especially excited about being a part of an inclusive community that is passionate about ensuring that all students thrive. Many Lawrence families may already be familiar with Ms. Bourque since Lawrence Elementary currently feeds into Metcalf, where she is currently the principal, and will feed into the new Peck Middle School once opened in fall 2025.
Ms. Bourque was born and raised in Holyoke and is a graduate of Holyoke High School. She holds an undergraduate degree from Merrimack College and a Masters in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She began her teaching career in Holyoke in 2004 at Lynch School and also worked at Kelly School. She then worked in Westfield as an assistant principal, principal and director of human resources before returning to Holyoke Public Schools in fall 2023 as an administrator in Holyoke’s Transitions Program.
“In her most recent roles in Holyoke, Ms. Bourque has done an excellent job stabilizing the school environment for students and staff, including investing in relationship development and systems for student support,” said Superintendent Soto. “She leads with kindness, an open mind, and a commitment to developing relationships.”