Holyoke Joint Committee Closes Term With Votes on Schools, Safety, and Superintendent Search

HOLYOKE -- December 10, 2025, Holyoke's Joint Committee of the City Council and School Committee closed its term with unanimous votes on crosswalk safety, special education staffing, and a superintendent search update. Chief of Pupil Services Maryanne Courier told the committee that 63 of roughly 100 special education teachers, about two-thirds, are operating under state waivers rather than full licenses, and the district spends approximately $10 million annually on out-of-district placements for 128 students. Superintendent Anthony Soto confirmed that "without a doubt, there's an impact on learning" when vacancies go unfilled. The committee referred a disputed city parking lot near Morgan School to the Parking Advisory Committee, and received confirmation from DPW Director Mike Gallagher that rectangular rapid flashing beacons are already scheduled for two Northampton Street crosswalk intersections near Metcalf School. School Committee Vice Chair Dr. Yatalete Rivera-Cologne reported 44 community members have applied to join the superintendent screening committee, with a finalist selection target of the week of February 9 and a July 1, 2026 start date for the new hire.