Stephen Zrike Chosen as District Receiver for Holyoke Public Schools

HOLYOKE — Stephen Zrike was chosen by Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell Chester as district receiver for Holyoke Public Schools, a position with the power of both a superintendent and a school committee.

“Stephen Zrike’s work in Boston and Chicago shows his dedication to urban students and his understanding of how to improve schools,” Chester said Monday, according to the Republican.

Zrike has worked in two Boston schools, William H. Ohrenberger School and William Blackstone Elementary School. In two years as the principal of Ohrenberger, he worked to increase student achievement scores in English and Math. The following year, as principal of William Blackstone Elementary School, he facilitated turnaround efforts under the Boston superintendent. He is currently superintendent of Wakefield Public Schools, and will begin as receiver for Holyoke Public Schools on July 6.