The Holyoke School Committee is in contract negotiations with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to support the search process for a new superintendent, now that state receivership has ended and the district was returned to local governance as of July 1.
School Committee members were informed during their meeting on Monday, October 6 that MASC provided the lowest of three quotes provided by outside vendors. MASC has more than 30 years of successful search consulting experience and has provided both technical assistance and full search management to more than 200 member school districts across Massachusetts during that time.
As part of the search process, MASC will seek input from the School Committee as well as HPS families, staff, city officials, and community members through a variety of means to develop candidate selection criteria and develop the formal job posting. A new superintendent is expected to be appointed for July 1, 2026.
During Monday’s meeting, Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto shared his personal decision not to apply for the position, after a great deal of reflection.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to serve my hometown in this capacity for nearly five years,” Mr. Soto said in announcing his decision. “I am immensely proud of the work we have been able to do together, on behalf of our students, and I am grateful for the personal connections and professional growth that this position has given me. I wish the School Committee the best of luck in their search for the next superintendent, and I am committed to supporting a successful transition. I want to thank all of the HPS staff and community for working together and putting Holyoke Public Schools on a strong path forward. I also want to thank my wife and son for supporting me and allowing me to pour my heart into this role. Our work together has been the highlight of my career, and I will carry this experience with me always.”