As December comes to a close, two Holyoke School Committee members will celebrate a combined 56 years of service before passing the torch to the two newly elected committee members who will take their seats on January 1.
Ward 5 representative John “Jay” Whelihan did not seek re-election this year after five years of representing the ward. Prior to that, he served two years as an at-large representative.
Ward 6 representative William “Ronnie” Collamore is retiring at the end of this month after 49 years representing his ward on the School Committee—making him the current longest-serving elected official in Massachusetts.
“Mr. Collamore and Mr. Whelihan have set a high standard for community service and dedication,” said Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto. “I’m grateful to them for their long-time commitment to students, families, and the entire Holyoke community. They will be missed.”
Mr. Whelihan was born and raised in Holyoke, where he graduated from Holyoke High School. He first joined the School Committee in 2013, serving as an at-large representative until 2015. In 2020, he rejoined the committee as Ward 5 representative, citing his belief that every student deserves a quality education and pathway to success as his motivation to make a difference in the community.
Among the highlights of Mr. Whelhan’s tenure are his work as chair of the Finance Subcommittee for the duration of the new Peck Middle School project, as well as previously holding the chair for the Policy and Governance Subcommittee. He was also involved with creating the Holyoke Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 to honor the achievements and contributions of HPS athletes.
Mr. Collamore is a lifelong Holyoker who has always lived in Ward 6, with only the exception of his two years of service in the U.S. Army. He is a graduate of Holyoke High School, and a retired firefighter who has served on many civic boards during the course of his career. First elected to the School Committee in 1976, his motivation for serving is rooted in his family’s strong belief in public service, and a personal commitment to serving the youth of his community.
A current member of the Finance and Operations Subcommittee, Mr. Collamore has served on a number of subcommittees and in numerous leadership positions throughout the years, including as vice chair. He was a member of the School Committee for multiple school building projects, including the construction of HHS Dean, the remodel and expansion of HHS North, and the new Peck Middle School—a project he championed for many years before its construction. Mr. Collamore was a founding member of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in the 1970s, and of the Holyoke Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
Following Mr. Collamore’s 49 years of service, Massachusetts senator Ed Markey will be the next record holder for longest-serving elected official in Massachusetts, with 48 years of service to date.
On January 1, the School Committee will welcome two new members: Jens Michaelsen as Ward 5 representative, and Patty Norris-Lubold for Ward 6. An introduction to both members will be published in early 2026.