Holyoke School Committee Meeting, September 29, 2025
MEETING NOTICE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE AGENDA
DATE: September 29, 2025
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Fifield Room, HOLYOKE HIGH DEAN CAMPUS, 1045 MAIN ST, HOLYOKE, MA 01040
https://hps-holyoke-ma-us.zoom.us/j/85287777627
Members of the public can access the meeting here:
(Spanish Interpretation will be available).
Today, March 29, 2025 Governor Maura Healey signed into law bodies to H.62, as amended by S.2506 (which contains the final form of the bill), entitled “An act Relative to Extending Certain COvid-19 Measures Adopted during the State of Emergency” (“ACT). Of interest to all governmental public bodies in Massachusetts, the Act extends until June, 2027, the authority for meetings of multiple-member bodies to be held in an entirely remote or hybrid format. All public bodies may hold fully remote or hybrid meetings, without the physical presence of a quorum of the public body, as long as “adequate, alternative means” of public access is also provided.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 28 OF THE ACTS OF 2009, SECTIONS 17-20 (FORMERLY SECTION 23B OF CHAPTER 39) OF THE MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS, THAT A REGULAR MEETING OF THE HOLYOKE SCHOOL COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2025.
- CALL TO ORDER ~ ROLL CALL ~ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
- Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, s. 20, I am hereby informing all attendees that a video and audio recording is being made of the meeting and the meeting is being live-streamed and run live on the City’s community TV channel.
- STUDENT SHOWCASE – N/A
- PUBLIC COMMENT- Members of the public wishing to submit public comments can email ifeliciano@hps.holyoke.ma.us no later than 3:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2025.
- Comments will either be displayed or read during the meeting.
- COMMUNICATION AND REPORTS
- Student Reports
- HHS North
- HHS Dean Campus
- Superintendent’s Report
- Dean Tech Update – Programming and Web / Early Childhood / CTE Expansion Grant
- BBA Positions (FYI)
- Middle School Pathway CTE Exploration and CTE Admission Policy Guidance
- Need to submit a policy for both of these to DESE by November 1st of this year but can request an extension if needed. We believe what we are currently doing is already in compliance with the guidance provided.
- RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to refer these two items to the policy subcommittee.
- NEW BUSINESS
- Update on the MASC All-State School Committee Award
- Nurses recommended for official appointment
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to appoint School Nurses as recommended by the Superintendent per updated Policy BBA.
- Out of State Travel
- Ignite Reading Convene 2025 It’s happening November 5–7 in Boston, hosted at More Than Words — an incredible youth-run bookstore and nonprofit recently featured on the Today Show for the way it empowers young people. Connect with district leaders who are equally passionate about early literacy. Participate in rich professional learning to deepen the power of your Ignite Reading implementation and extend outcomes beyond Ignite Reading students. Gain early access to forthcoming Ignite Reading products that you are going to be SUPER excited about! Share in special literacy-themed experiences, including an evening reception right inside the bookstore Watch their incredible story here
- Rebecca Thompson- Director of Academics
- Caitlin Rosazza- Assoc. Director of Early Literacy
- C. Rosazza and R. Thompson Travel Forms
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to approve and authorize out-of-state travel for Rebecca Thompson- Director of Academics and Caitlin Rosazza- Assoc. Director of Early Literacy to attend Ignite Reading Conference in Boston, MA from November 5-7, 2025.
- ASE Statewide Conferences- Attending the ASE Statewide Conferences is essential for all special education administrators, as it is one of the few professional development series in Massachusetts designed specifically for our unique roles and responsibilities. ASE provides direct access to expert, role-specific training, legal and policy updates, and advocacy guidance at both the state and federal levels. With the increasing complexity of special education-new IEP requirements, rising student mental health needs, staffing shortages, accountability measures, and potential shifts in federal funding-ASE ensures that administrators are equipped with the most current knowledge, tools, and strategies to support students with disabilities effectively. These conferences also offer invaluable opportunities to collaborate with colleagues statewide, share best practices, and strengthen our collective voice in advocating for students with disabilities.
- Marianne Currier- Chief of Pupil Services
- Tammy Seymour- Special Education Director
- Alessandra Graziani- Special Education Director
- Michelle Cooper-Cox- Special Education Director
- James O’Neill- Special Education Director
- ASE Educators Travel Forms
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to approve and authorize out-of-state travel for Marianne Currier- Chief of Pupil Services, Tammy Seymour- Special Education Director, Alessandra Graziani- Special Education Director, Michelle Cooper-Cox- Special Education Director and James O’Neill- Special Education Director to attend Administrators of Special Education (ASE) Conference in Worcester, MA on October 31, 2025, March 20, 2026 and June 3, 2026 .
- Budget Transfer and Reports
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee accept gifts and grants received.
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to accept the report of warrants approved as listed above.
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to approve budget transfers as listed above.
- Upcoming Executive Director of Finance Vacancy
- Approval of Meeting Minutes
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to accept and approve the meeting minutes of 7.21.25 School Committee Meeting Minutes
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to accept and approve the meeting minutes of 8.11.25 School Committee Meeting Minutes
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to accept and approve the meeting minutes of 4.2.25 Policy and Governance Meeting Minutes
o RECOMMENDATION: That the School Committee vote to accept and approve the meeting minutes of 4.23.25 Policy and Governance Meeting Minutes
- Updates of Committees
- Policy and Governance Subcommittee
- Finance and Operations Subcommittee
- Joint City Council/School Committee
- Local Control Subcommittee
- Leadership, Accountability and Measurement Subcommittee
- ONGOING BUSINESS
- Update on PowerSchool Implementation: PowerSchool SIS Rollout – September 2025 Update
- Superintendent search update: request for quotes were sent to four firms with expertise in superintendent searches
- ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Oct 2nd, Picture Day at Lawrence School
- Oct 14th, School Committee Meeting, Fifield Room, Dean Campus at 6pm.
- Oct 16th, Lawrence School presents Gas and Electric Safety Presentation for Pre-K and 2nd, 9am to 9:30 am.