HOLYOKE — Erin Brunelle, who has been a committed advocate for returning the city’s schools to local control, has stepped down from the School Committee.

Brunelle, who was the committee’s vice chair, said in a statement that “this year has been particularly challenging for my family.” She submitted her resignation last week to the School Committee, effective immediately.

Mayor Joshua Garcia expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Brunelle’s 10 years of service on the School Committee.

“I respect her decision to prioritize her family. She has been a dedicated, diligent, effective, committee member and we are sorry to see her leave,” Garcia said.

While stepping off the School Committee, Brunelle said she will still be involved with the School Building Committee, as a member of the public and as vice chair.

The committee is overseeing the construction of Holyoke’s new 550-student middle school to replace the former William R. Peck School.

The new school and the receivership issue have been Brunelle’s primary concerns. Holyoke’s schools have been under state control since 2015.

The School Committee’s local control subcommittee has been meeting with acting education commissioner Russell Johnston to develop a path out of receivership, and Brunelle said those meetings have been going well.

She said she expected a plan for transition would be developed by August.

Following Brunelle’s resignation, School Committee members in a unanimous vote named Mildred Lefebvre interim vice chair.

Under the city charter, the School Committee, City Council and the mayor will jointly appoint Brunelle’s successor, who will serve out the remainder of her four-year term as an at-large member of the committee.

When that term is up, in 2027, the at-large seat will be filled by the voters at a regular election.

Brunelle was re-elected to the School Committee in November.

Garcia said this was a crucial moment for the city.

“We’re in the midst of working with the state to emerge from receivership,” he stated. “We need focused, conscientious individuals on our School Committee.”

The city invites interested residents to apply for interim appointment to the at-large seat to complete Brunelle’s term by sending a letter of interest and a resume to:

City of Holyoke Personnel Office

20 Korean Veterans Plaza

Holyoke, MA 01040

Documents can also be submitted by email to personnel@holyoke.org.

Applications will be accepted up until June 18, although candidates are encouraged to submit their interest sooner than the deadline.

Candidates will be interviewed at the June 18 joint meeting of the Holyoke School Committee and City Council.

James Pentland can be reached at jpentland@gazettenet.com.