Five months after being named the next superintendent for Holyoke Public Schools, Jacqueline Glasheen officially began serving in her new role on July 1. She is replacing former Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto, who began serving in his new role as chief of finance and operations on July 1.
“As I begin my journey as the next superintendent for Holyoke Public Schools, I am grateful to be surrounded by talented and dedicated educators and staff, and by families who are partnering with us to provide the best for their children,” Mrs. Glasheen said. “I feel hopeful that together we will continue to grow and evolve as a district and as individuals.”
Prior to becoming superintendent, Mrs. Glasheen served as the district’s assistant superintendent.
“I’ve dreamed of—and prepared for—this day throughout my educational career, and to be sure, stepping into the role of superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools is both an honor and a responsibility. After a decade of receivership, our community stands at a pivotal moment, one defined by what we choose to build together and not by what has been imposed on us.”
Mrs. Glasheen said the district is focusing on three core commitments this year:
Delivering effective, inclusive instruction in every classroom;
Ensuring every student and every staff member has what they need to be successful; and
Building a culture of belonging where our community, schools, staff, and students feel united, valued, and inspired.
In June prior to becoming superintendent, Mrs. Glasheen led a two-day leadership retreat for principals, assistant principals, directors, coaches, district leaders, and central office team members to help set the stage for the district's priorities in the coming months.
“As I shared with those assembled, our effectiveness as leaders is not measured solely by the success of our individual departments, schools, or offices. It is measured by how well we function together as one team in service of Holyoke's students. We are one team in service of Holyoke Public Schools students. Not separate teams. Not school teams versus district teams. Not school teams versus school teams. Not teachers versus administrators. Not departments versus departments. One team.”
The next six months—and beyond—will reflect a shared journey built on trust, partnership, and a fierce belief in the promise of our young people, she said.
“Together, we can write the next chapter for Holyoke Public Schools, grounded in strong instruction, meaningful belonging, and the systems that give every student and staff member what they need to thrive.”
Mrs. Glasheen began her career at Holyoke Public Schools in 1992 as a special education teacher at Lynch Middle School. She also served as assistant principal at Kelly and Morgan schools and principal of Kelly and E.N. White schools. In 2021, she was named executive director of school leadership developing, supporting, and supervising principals and ensuring effective implementation of the HPS instructional vision.
Mrs. Glasheen obtained her Bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Salve Regina University and her Masters degree in Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She continuously seeks opportunities to grow her own instructional leadership to ensure her practice meets the needs of today's students in urban education. She was selected to be a fellow in the highly competitive and sought after Leverage Leadership Institute and has also participated in learning through the National Institute for School Leadership, Building Excellent Schools, the Standards Institute, National Principal Supervisors Academy, and the Relay Graduate School of Education.