Holyoke City school committee candidates emphasize inclusion, teacher morale and restorative justice at forum

Eight candidates for the Holyoke City School Committee took part in a community forum organized by One Holyoke and Holyoke Media, where they outlined priorities including support for students with disabilities and English learners (ELL), strategies to recruit and retain teachers and the use of restorative justice in schools.

The forum opened with remarks from Gloria Caballero, a member of the school committee, who described the event as "un espacio que es abierto para toda nuestra comunidad" and framed the evening as a chance for listening and dialogue. Organizers explained forum rules, announced speaking order and provided simultaneous interpretation; Georgie Brown and Linda Prat served as timekeepers.

Candidates gave 90-second opening statements that emphasized family experience, community service and education-focused backgrounds. Mildred Lefebré said she has served on the committee for 10 years and highlighted representing parents; Rosalía Tenzley Williams cited military and teaching experience and said children are her first priority; Jens Michaelson described himself as a veteran and parent focused on infrastructure and data; Christian Cardé said his background in child welfare and data science drives his advocacy for students; Patty Loeball and other candidates framed their priorities around equity and access. One candidate running in District 6 said she was stepping forward after the certified District 6 candidate withdrew.

On the first substantive question—what strategies they would use to close opportunity gaps for students with disabilities and English learners—candidates repeatedly recommended inclusive practices and stronger educator supports rather than segregating students. "El lenguaje no debería de ser una barrera, deberíamos de honrarlo y desde ahí construir," Mildred Lefebré said, urging strengths-based curricula and honoring home languages. Rosalía Tenzley Williams recommended hiring teachers certified in English as a second language and using volunteers when staff levels are low. Jens Michaelson cited local data in arguing for more individualized assessment beyond standardized tests and for improving student attendance and teacher-to-student ratios.

Candidates also discussed retention and recruitment of teachers now that state receivership has ended. Multiple speakers said improving morale, giving teachers a real voice in district decisions and investing in meaningful professional development are central to retention. One candidate noted the district—s reported teacher retention rate has risen from 71% in 2015 to 83% more recently. Several candidates said compensation and fair contracts matter but emphasized nonmonetary supports—recognition, mentorship and reduced micromanagement—would also help.

Most candidates expressed support for restorative justice programs, while some cautioned that restorative practices should include clear structures to address repeat offenders. Mildred Lefebré described visiting people in jail and said restorative approaches can help interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. Christian Cardé pointed to the Palante program on Appleton Street as a model for building student character and community belonging.

Other topics raised during the forum included expanding dual-language programming, implementing Universal Design for Learning to improve accessibility (ramp and audiobooks were cited as concrete examples), and focusing on basic literacy and numeracy to meet graduation standards. Candidates closed by urging community involvement and asking for votes in the upcoming election.

The forum was framed repeatedly around belonging and community partnership: speakers linked academic support to family engagement and urged policies that keep students connected to school rather than isolated. No formal motions or committee votes were taken during the event; this was a candidate forum for public information and election-related discussion rather than a governance meeting.

The forum concluded with brief audience interaction time after candidates— closing remarks.