Holyoke committee removes legacy policies, refers others and learns MIAA may bar Puerto Rico basketball trip

The Holyoke School Committee on July 13 voted to remove several older policies from the district code, referred multiple policy items back to the policy subcommittee for further review, and received correspondence indicating a planned Holyoke High basketball trip to Puerto Rico may violate Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) rules.

During the meeting, the committee approved removals for a batch of legacy policies (voice votes recorded for K, KCB, KCBA questionnaires/surveys and others) and tabled or referred items when errors or additional legal review were identified. Several first-read policies were sent back to the policy subcommittee for more detailed consideration; members specifically asked for legal citations and clarification of definitions such as "guardian."

Athletics compliance Superintendent Jackie Glasheen read a communication from the MIAA about a proposed Hoopaul/Hoya High team trip and explained that, "as written, the proposal to have the teams participate in Puerto Rico would violate some of the MIAA rules" and that the teams "would not be able to go and not be penalized in their own league when they returned" unless local leaders change the proposal or receive an exception. The district had contacted the school’s principal and athletic director but had not yet received a resolution.

Policy referrals and tablings - Several policies were removed by vote; others (including some family- and medical-leave text and matters where the wrong attachment was listed) were referred back to the policy subcommittee for correction or legal review. Committee members repeatedly asked that the district cite the relevant state definitions or statutes where policy uses terms such as "guardian."

Quotes from the meeting - "As it stands right now, this moment, it appears as though our team would not be able to go and not be penalized in their own league when they returned." (Glasheen) - On policy definitions: committee members asked that legal references be included and for clearer definitions so policies are enforceable and consistent with district practice (multiple speakers).

What happens next The athletic trip remains unresolved pending follow-up with school leadership and possible changes to the trip proposal; several policies will return to the policy subcommittee or to counsel for legal review and edits before final readings.