WAKEFIELD — Supt. of Schools Dr. Stephen Zrike announced this morning that he has been chosen receiver of the underperforming Holyoke Public School system and will leave Wakefield at the end of this month.
Following is his statement.
Dear Wakefield community,
It is with mixed emotions that I tell you I will be leaving the Wakefield Public Schools at the conclusion of the 2014-15 school year. In the last week, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education asked me if I would serve as the “receiver” for the Holyoke, MA Public Schools. Earlier this year, the city of Holyoke was designated a Level 5 (chronically underperforming) school district. After lengthy conversations with family and friends, I decided to accept the offer because it is a unique and meaningful opportunity to be part of the turnaround effort in one of the Commonwealth’s lowest performing school systems.
I am proud of our accomplishments in the Wakefield schools over the last few years. In collaboration with talented educators and staff, a student centered School Committee, invested town officials and supportive families we have successfully launched an early childhood center, overhauled technology/curriculum resources, designed a framework for professional learning, opened the new Galvin middle school and created a district-wide instructional coaching model. I firmly believe that these efforts have had a positive impact on all students who attend the Wakefield schools.
Over the next month, I will work closely with the School Committee to ensure that the transition to new leadership for the Wakefield Public Schools will be smooth. I have tremendous confidence in the Wakefield Public Schools’ current leadership team to continue to move the district forward.
It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve the Wakefield Public Schools and to be part of this truly remarkable community. I can only thank you for your wonderful support. The future is incredibly bright for a school district anchored by the finest educators and a community’s tireless commitment to their children.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen Zrike
