It is hard for me to understand the negativity focused on the school receivership in Holyoke. The significant improvements are undeniable, graduation rates are way up, dropouts are way down and the number of students taking more challenging courses has increased almost fivefold.
Further, more students are having experiences in the workforce and the number of students in vocational programming has more than doubled. Dean Technical High School was slated to close and is now a thriving campus that is in high demand among rising high school students.
While there is incredible work that still needs to be done, we should celebrate, not ignore or diminish the accomplishments. Our teachers and staff are working hard and deserve our support and recognition.
Many of the above significant improvements were flat for two decades before receivership and a generation of students were not afforded the educational experiences they deserved. No one wanted receivership, including myself, but it was necessary to see the progress described. I have no doubt that if we continue on this path, Holyoke will emerge stronger than ever and eventually authority over the schools will return to the city.
Lastly, Dr. Stephen Zrike has labored diligently for four-plus years in the best interest of our children and schools. As loyal Holyoke people, let us thank him for his sincere efforts and wish him well in his future endeavors. I love Holyoke.
Ray Crowley
Holyoke