Holyoke teachers oppose plan to end school receivership

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Members of the Holyoke Teachers Association are standing up against the state's plan to move Holyoke Public Schools out of state receivership. 

Members said these walk-ins are an opportunity to voice their disapproval with the release of exit assurances meant to be a pathway out of state receivership. While Secretary Tutwiler says these exit assurances are meant to support this transition from receivership to local control, Holyoke teachers are saying they feel excluded from decision making

They're also saying these exit assurances will likely keep Holyoke from improving teacher retention and student performance. 

“They're holding all of these things that are preventing us from bargaining including the length of our school day, our calendar, our pay, our professional development, and ultimately it just doesn't allow us as the teachers to advocate for the resources that we need to improve our student outcomes,” said Brandi Bellacicco, teacher at Holyoke Public Schools. 

Bellcicco adds they hope the state and Holyoke Mayor go back and reverse these exit assurances, so that they can proceed with full bargaining, and advocate for what's best for students. 

Holyoke Public Schools has been under receivership for 10 years now. They're set to transition out of state receivership on July 1, and these exit assurances will be in place for the next two years.