HOLYOKE — With the Nov. 4 general election less than a week away, Reminder Publishing sent questionnaires to Holyoke School Committee candidates on the ballot.
This year’s Ward 5 School Committee race features Jens Michaelsen and Aida Luz Oquendo Oquendo. Incumbent John Whelihan is not running for reelection.
Reminder Publishing asked each candidate the same three questions so readers can get a taste of who they are and what they hope to accomplish if elected. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Reminder Publishing: What are some of your top priorities/issues you’d like to address in the first few months?
Michaelsen: The most salient priority is addressing the selection of a new superintendent. Another big shake-up is not ideal for our staff or students. After that, my first big point is understanding where reporting doesn’t tell the full story of what is happening in our schools and find good methods of communicating it. For example, when we show that our school district has a high portion of students moving in and out of the district, we have an opportunity to tell so much more of our story and use that in developing metrics of success.
Oquendo: As a lifelong Holyoke resident, my priority is to rebuild trust between families and our schools. We are entering a new chapter as the district returns to local control, and it is essential that families feel included in every step of the process. I aim to focus on clear communication, improving student achievement, and supporting the teachers who care for our children every day.
I will also help the School Committee search for strong leadership for our schools. I plan to recommend strategies to retain and hire experienced teachers who can enhance the academic performance of our diverse student population. My goal is simple: to ensure every family feels heard and that every child can succeed right here in Holyoke.
RP: What are one or two things you think voters should know about you?
Michaelsen: I am a parent of two children in the Holyoke schools. The things that I want for my children are the same as yours: I want them to be educated enough to get good jobs and preserve our society for their children. I recognize that each of them could have the ability to colonize Mars, cure cancer or be the next Mozart. I also understand that it could only take one moment of a day to derail a child’s ability to learn, and it is the job of the School Committee and administration to build community partnerships to remove that one obstacle for as many children as possible.
Oquendo: I am not new to education. I have served in the Holyoke Public Schools and understand both the challenges and the possibilities within our district. My children attended these schools, and I believe deeply in showing up, listening carefully,and following through.
I care profoundly about our families and strive to bring honesty, compassion and consistency to the School Committee. My decisions will always be grounded on my educational preparation and my experience as an educator here in Holyoke. I believe that we as educators have a responsibility to provide our students with the best opportunities for a quality education.
RP: In your eyes, what are the top two most important issues facing the School Committee in the next 12 months?
Michaelsen: The school district is fresh out of receivership and under a microscopic lens from the peering eyes of the state. The most important thing to me is getting the trust of the community and the state back to retain our control of our schools. This needs to be met with someone who is close to parents and is willing to meet them where they are. Second, the policies of the school district are out-of-date and need someone dedicated to making them current and effective for all of the children in our district.
Oquendo: The first is rebuilding confidence as we move out of state receivership. Families need to trust that the School Committee is working for them, not above them. The second is identifying a strong leader with a clear vision and mission, while ensuring that we retain great teachers in our classrooms. Teachers need the tools and support necessary to stay inspired and effective.
