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Candidates for Ward 7 school committee emphasize stability, family engagement and dual‑language strengths
Summary
During interviews at a June 17 joint session, applicants for the Ward 7 seat highlighted teacher retention and consistency, family‑school communication, special‑education navigation and the district’s dual‑language program as priorities.
Candidates seeking appointment to the vacant Ward 7 seat on the Holyoke School Committee emphasized stability in staffing and leadership, stronger family engagement and support for special‑education services during a June 17 joint meeting of the Holyoke City Council and School Committee.
Stephanie Chhatel, a nine‑year educator and parent, said improving district assessment results is a priority and described classroom practices and family‑liaison use that she believes support attendance and achievement. She cited a previous school’s third‑grade ELA result, noting that "51% are meeting or exceeding expectations" as an example of data she has worked with.
Joe Cersine, a longtime educator and parent, told the panel that many local problems can be traced to "consistency and lack thereof," urging continuity in teachers and leadership to retain institutional knowledge and improve outcomes.
Rashad Mill, who described coaching and special‑education administrative work, urged better communication around individualized education programs (IEPs) so families understand the process and supports; he also suggested life‑skills and financial literacy coursework for older students.
Multiple applicants praised Holyoke’s dual‑language program as a strength. Michael Serary and Eric Cifak, who each described district experience on finance or special‑needs teams, said strong people and programs exist in the district, but they urged continued focus on reading and basic academic skills as the district moves beyond receivership.
Throughout the interviews, councilors asked about subcommittee fit, availability for meetings and willingness to run for the seat when the term ends; several candidates said they would run in the election. The interviews were conducted in alphabetical order for transparency, and each candidate fielded consistent question topics (attendance, curriculum priorities, and potential subcommittee service).
The interviews preceded a roll‑call vote during which the clerk announced Leticia Molina had been elected on the first ballot and was sworn in at the meeting.
