Early next week, a state education board will be in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to hold a public hearing on whether the state should take control of the city’s public schools. This follows years of low test scores and graduation rates. Superintendent Sergio Paez came to holyoke about a year and a half ago, and he’s attempted to turn things around. He’s also so far advocated against a state takeover, known as receivership. He says he needs more time.

“Within my time here, it’s just not sufficient time to see those changes mature and produce the results that we want,” Paez says.

In an interview with NEPR, Paez significantly changed his tune on the state takeover. Now, he says he’s obligated to oppose the takeover because he’s employed by the Holyoke School Committee. But, personally, he’s not opposed to it. In fact, he says he’d like to be appointed as the receiver if the state goes that route.

We also reached out to the president of the Holyoke teachers’ union on this story, and hope to bring you those comments soon.

To hear Henry Epp’s interview with Holyoke Superintendent Sergio Paez, click on the audio player above.