The potential for Holyoke's public school system to leave receivership may have received an extra boost.
The new Acting Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is Russell Johnston, who replaces Jeffrey Riley. Johnston is a former superintendent of the West Springfield school district, and he expected to appear at Holyoke's next school committee hearing.
Holyoke's schools have been in receivership since 2015, due to chronically low test scores and graduation rates.
Officials have expressed optimism that Johnston is receptive to returning the schools to local control.
(Photo Credit: MA Department of Secondary Education)