Teachers urge committee to engage as mediation begins; cite low PD approval and no‑confidence vote

Three teachers used the public‑comment period at the March 9 Holyoke School Committee meeting to press the district for better engagement with educators as contract mediation begins.

Brandy Bellachico, a Holyoke teacher who identified herself during public comment, said she was "very disappointed" with recent decisions and noted teachers were being sent to mediation; she added that teachers "remain ready to make progress" and that she looks forward to meeting the district bargaining team and mediator Thursday. Peter Duffy, another teacher, cited internal and Panorama survey results, saying only about "28% of teachers responded favorably to our PD" and that "85% of teachers in Holyoke had no confidence in the bargaining team." Christine LaFortune, a preschool teacher of 27 years, said long service has not brought significant salary progression and described cuts to prep time and sick‑day accruals, telling the committee she makes "only $7,000 more than a teacher who has been in this district for 7 years."

The comments painted a picture of low staff morale and persistent concerns about district decision‑making and support. Committee members did not take immediate action on the bargaining matters during the meeting; the chair noted the district is engaged in mediation and suggested the parties will meet with a mediator as scheduled. The public‑comment exchange concluded before the committee moved on to agenda items including student representation, budget items and subcommittee referrals.

The committee did not resolve bargaining issues in open session; the public comments instead record teacher perspectives ahead of the scheduled mediation session.