Copyright MassLive
HOLYOKE — Jens Michaelsen squares off at the polls Tuesday against veteran education Aido Luz Oquendo Oquendo. The former administrator and educator has set down deep roots in Holyoke and committed herself to the city’s care and attention, specifically its children. Ahead of Tuesday, The Republican reached out to all candidates for the opposed School Committee seats to answer a short questionnaire. Find more candidates and responses in the past week’s print editions or online at masslive.com/topic/election. Dr. Aida L. Oquendo Address: Ward 5 Profession: Former educator and assistant principal Position sought: School Committee, Ward 5 Introductory statement: My name is Dr. Aida L. Oquendo, and I have proudly served Holyoke Public Schools for more than 29 years as a teacher and assistant principal. For over three decades, I have lived in Ward 5, raised my family here, and dedicated my career to ensuring every child receives a quality education. As an educator, STEM advocate, and co-founder of the Latino Scholarship Fund, I have worked to expand opportunities for all students, especially English learners, students with disabilities, and those facing chronic absenteeism. I am running for the School Committee because Holyoke is at a turning point. We need leaders with classroom experience and deep community roots who understand how decisions affect families and our educators. My goal is for all schools to be safe, engaging, and academically strong so every student can reach their full potential. Question 1: What letter grade would you give the school system? Why? The district has made clear progress in graduation rates and early literacy, but we must continue improving attendance, academic rigor, and improve teacher retention. Holyoke Public Schools are back in local control because we are moving in the right direction. If elected as a member of the School Committee, I will focus on the necessary work to continue improving academic performance for all students rather than provide a grade to the Holyoke Public Schools. Question 2: What is the biggest challenge the schools face? The greatest challenge is student attendance and engagement. When students are not present, the learning gaps widen. We need family partnerships, mentoring, and programs that help every child feel valued, respected, and motivated to learn. Question 3: The school budget is roughly two-thirds of the city budget, and there are concerns about federal and state assistance dropping. How should the School Committee address any loss of funding? The School Committee must be proactive by advocating for continued federal and state support, seeking grants, building community partnerships, and ensuring every dollar directly supports students and teachers. Question 4: With the MCAS no longer a condition of graduation what should the diploma requirements be? Without the Massachusetts standardized test, the high school diplomas should reflect academic learning and readiness based on a rigorous curriculum. The graduation decision standards as set by the school district. Those requirements are earning the required number of course credits, maintaining a passing grade and meeting attendance policies.
