On Friday, February 2, Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffery C. Riley released a statement (English) (Spanish) in response to the Holyoke School Committee’s petition to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to release the City of Holyoke from State Receivership that was sent on September 18, 2023.
HPS Superintendent Anthony Soto sent his response to the city’s petition on December 21, with Commissioner Riley replying back the following day that he would respond to the city’s petition on or before February 2.
“I am encouraged by the commissioner’s commitment to continuing the conversation about a return to local control,” said Superintendent Anthony Soto after receiving a copy of Commissioner Riley’s statement on Friday.
“I am committed to partnering with the Holyoke School Committee and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to ensure every Holyoke student develops the skills and accesses the opportunities to graduate high school prepared for life, career, and college,” Superintendent Soto said. “As a Holyoke Public Schools graduate and a long-time resident, I know firsthand and fully believe that we are a community with tremendous strengths, much resilience, and the ability to work together towards a common goal.”
Additional documents and letters related to receivership can be found on the HPS Turnaround webpage.