Holyoke Public Schools (HPS) serves 5,400 students in 11 schools and employs nearly 1500 people.  The District was placed into receivership by the State of Massachusetts in Spring 2015, due to struggling performance well below the state average. Dr. Stephen Zrike Jr., a seasoned Massachusetts educator, was selected as Receiver to lead this exciting turnaround effort, which includes significant autonomy and flexibility from the traditional school system.  Since being in receivership, the District has experienced many promising successes.  In school year 2015-16, the District saw a 7-percentage point increase in proficiency in English Language Arts and a 4-point gain in Math, and attendance rates are up across the District.  HPS has also extended the school day for students in preschool to 8th grade, expanded choice programs such as dual language and personalized learning, and offering new opportunities to students, such as computer science and many other enrichment programs. For more information about the HPS Turnaround Plan, please visit: http://www.hps.holyoke.ma.us/turnaroundplan.htm.