HOLYOKE, MA (WWLP) – Steve Zrike has been chosen as the new leader for the Holyoke Public Schools. Zrike was announced as the permanent receiver for the district during a news conference in Holyoke early Monday afternoon.

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted last month to put the district into state receivership, citing years of underperformance.

Zrike will begin work full time as receiver on July 6. Massachusetts Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester described his choice for receiver as a “lifelong educator” who has been a teacher, principal, and a superintendent.