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Date: 7/13/2022
HOLYOKE – The city is seeking applicants interested in filling the vacant Ward 3 seat on the School Committee.
The vacancy is the result of the resignation of Rebecca Birks, due to her relocation out of Holyoke.
Eligible Ward 3 residents are invited to submit letters of interest to the city by the July 22 deadline. Those interested are asked to send their letters of interest, accompanied by a resume to City of Holyoke Personnel Office, 20 Korean Veterans Plaza, Holyoke, MA 01040. Applications can also be submitted by email to personnel@holyoke.org.
The City Council and School Committee will host a joint session to select the new member following interviews with candidates on Aug. 4. The successful applicant would complete Birks’ term, which expires Dec. 31, 2023.
The November 2023 municipal elections will determine the permanent Ward 3 School Committee member. The term of that individual will start Jan. 1, 2024.
School Committee Vice-Chair Mildred Lefebvre said she hopes they find the right applicant to fill the interim role from Ward 3 and is running for the right reasons.
“To me, you’re doing it because you want to bring change to a system. It’s fighting for the rights of all children, so we hope that’s the mindset that someone will come in with,” Lefebvre said.
A top priority currently for the School Committee are getting out of receivership, according to Lefebvre. She added this, and equity across the board is something the committee is focused on in order to continue improving the school district as a whole.
Lefebvre said there are many pressing issues for the district, especially following regression in schools due to the coronavirus pandemic. She added that she hopes the Ward 3 interim member can help solidify the foundation of the committee after Birks’ resignation and help work towards a better district for all students and families in Holyoke.
“It’s a gradual improvement, nothing happens overnight,” Lefebvre said on the district getting out of receivership. “Going back to those who are applying, I want people to understand we are still accountable to the people who put us in that seat. We are not sitting ducks. We are working and doing things to help improve. I really want someone who is committed. It’s about dedication and making sure everyone knows the School Committee is still here and we’re fighting for our children and their education.”