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The Ward 6 School Committee race, sparked by Pat Beaudry’s withdrawal and endorsement of Patty Norris Lubold, has quickly evolved into a contest of ideas about how Holyoke Public Schools should move forward after exiting state receivership. Norris Lubold, a longtime Ward 6 resident and strategic consultant, is campaigning on equity for students with disabilities, universal design in learning and rebuilding trust between families and schools. Endorsed by City Councilor Juan Anderson Burgos, Christian Carde, a social worker and digital learning analyst, emphasizes restorative practices, technology access and inclusive education for Holyoke’s diverse student body. Both candidates say the district must improve engagement, transparency and support systems to ensure all students thrive. Holyoke’s municipal elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4. Norris Lubold has lived in Holyoke her entire life — 58 years — and is mounting a write-in campaign for the opportunity to represent the ward where she has lived for 28 years. She is a graduate of the city’s public schools and has raised two sons in the district, one neurotypical and one with learning disabilities. “I have first-hand experience both in the strengths of the school system but also the very real struggles that are in our system,” she said. Norris Lubold said she plans to bring a systematic approach to improving outcomes for students, families and educators. She has served as vice president of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council and president of Friends of Holyoke High School Football and professionally works as a strategic consultant focused on connecting vision to action. “I believe with fresh ideas, attention to literacy, and a commitment to innovation, our schools can be better for all— especially those who need it most,” she said. Carde, 32, originally from Caguas, Puerto Rico, moved to the mainland after Hurricane Maria. Carde went to the University of Colorado Springs and graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology in 2016, then moved to Holyoke in 2107 joining family already rooted in the city. While in Western Massachusetts, Carde has worked as a stabilization case worker, a state social worker and a digital learning analyst in Springfield Public Schools. “I saw a lot during COVID-19, including as a social worker, he burned out a bit from what I was seeing at that point so I decided to move to Springfield Public Schools where I could work with students and families in another way,” he said. His career spans roles at Enlace de Familia and Springfield Technical Community College in adult education, instructional design, technical and online skills, professional development. He now teaches technical skills at Amherst College. He started this spring on the Holyoke mayor’s advisory board. Being part of the school and community matter, Carde said. He said his background in social work and psychology will help him focus on helping people by giving them better tools and support. Norris Lubold centers her advocacy on students with disabilities and families navigating special education. Her experience as a parent of two sons drives her push for universal design in learning and inclusive practices. Norris Lubold said her younger son, who has learning disabilities, didn’t have the same positive experience in school that her older son did. He faced discrimination in many areas, she said. “The limited access and poor decisions we ran into were very poor and deeply painful,” Lubold said. “I’ve sat at the IEP (individualized education program) table like many other families. It didn’t just push me to fight for my son — it pushed me to help other students and families in our district.” Carde draws from his background in social work and digital learning to advocate for restorative practices, technology access, and support for families facing systemic barriers. “I’ve seen how bureaucracy creates silos when people try to reach out for help. We need better tools so students can succeed,” Carde said. Carde said his work with families facing addiction, domestic violence and housing problems gives him a strong understanding of student needs and the challenges they face. He’s running for School Committee to bring restorative practices, fair access to technology and inclusive learning to Holyoke schools. “I don’t believe in a system that is based on punishment for students without trying to help them. We need to give chances and better tools so they can become better people.” Post-receivership priorities Both candidates see Holyoke’s exit from state receivership as a pivotal moment. “I feel that Holyoke is a very unique point right now after leaving receiverships to really connect decision to action and not just talk about turn around but actually make it happen,” she said. “There has to be a lot of changes for that and that means an openness to being asking tough questions it means reviewing policies it may mean it means showing up in in new ways.” Carde sees Holyoke’s transition out of state receivership as a chance to rebuild the school system with stronger support from the state. He said collaboration and transparency will be key. “We need to make sure the district moves forward with the tools, support and engagement it needs,” Carde said. Carde’s first goal is to promote educational excellence by securing funding and better access to technology. He said some schools lack basic tech tools, which are essential in today’s world. Carde said leaving receivership is not just about policy — it’s also about reconnecting with families. He’s heard from parents who feel the system has failed them. Some say they used to be able to walk into the district office and speak with administrators directly. “It’s not like that now,” he said. Policy positions: state graduation requirements, contracts, and equity Lubold supports strong academic standards, but critiques standardized testing for overlooking students’ unique strengths. “But many students are left out, and standardized tests often miss the unique strengths each person brings,” she said. She compared this to the workplace, where people are judged by their performance, not by how they present it. “When we look at grading, we need to focus on the people in front of us and what they’re actually showing us,” she said. While Carde didn’t directly mention MCAS, he stressed the importance of school board support from the mayor and City Council. “There are two things we need to become a better district,” he said. “We need people in the community who are willing to show up, do the work, and help make decisions that support Holyoke students.” He also spoke about the relationship between the Holyoke Teachers Association and the district. “There shouldn’t be a need for a mediator,” he said. “Everyone should be open during negotiations. No one wins or loses — both sides benefit when teachers are heard and the district ensures safe working conditions and fair pay.” Both Carde and Norris Lubold said equity must be built into every classroom especially in a district where one-third of students have special needs and many are learning English as a second language. Both candidates say rebuilding trust between families and schools is essential. Lubold pointed to low student belonging scores in district surveys and called for deeper listening and collaboration. Carde said Holyoke’s biggest challenge is engagement and stronger relationships between schools and families will improve attendance and academic success. “Trust has been broken and needs to be restored between the school and community,” he said. Prior to this year’s election, Ward 6 has been represented by Ron Collamore continuously since 1976 — making him the longest serving elected official in Massachusetts. The Ward 6 seat opened after Beaudry, who was running unopposed, withdrew from the race to move his growing family outside the ward.
