Acting state Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Russell Johnston will decide within a week whether state control of Holyoke Public Schools ends and the city’s public school educators have their full collective bargaining rights restored.

Commissioner Johnston indicated to Holyoke Teachers Association leadership that he has yet to decide if our union will be limited in its ability to negotiate over grievance procedures, staffing assignments, compensation, schedules, and evaluations. State-appointed receiver Anthony Soto is providing input to Johnston that will influence the acting commissioner’s decision. The commissioner also needs to hear from educators.  

Contact Commissioner Johnston today to voice your support for a full and transparent exit from receivership that includes the restoration of all collective bargaining rights to union members so we can negotiate a contract that works for ALL students and staff.