Mar 23 2022 · Last Night @ School Committee Recap · Ep. 52

Written By Josh Block

What happens at each Boston School Committee meeting has big implications for our students and our city. In “Last Night @ School Committee,” Jill Shah and Ross Wilson recap the highlights of each meeting, provide commentary and context, and shine a light on the decisions our leaders are making.

Last night’s meeting concluded the months-long process of approving the $1.3 billion budget for the next school year. After numerous public listening sessions as well as feedback from the School Committee, the Superintendent and her team brought the budget for a vote. This budget vote also coincides with the recent news that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be conducting an audit of the district and has prompted a discussion on state receivership, which has been contested by Mayor Michelle Wu. There were numerous pointed questions from members of the School Committee about the district’s struggles in filling vacancies and the consequences of creating more than 100 new positions. The School Committee ultimately voted in favor of the budget with one “no” vote.

The School Committee heard two reports last night: a report on assignment and application numbers, and an update on the Superintendent search. The Superintendent and her team shared application data indicating a decline in enrollment for the upcoming school year. This data was first presented last night but typically would be available prior to the final budget vote.

The next School Committee meeting will take place next Wednesday, April 6 at 5pm.

Here are some of the questions that we think are worth asking:

  • How will the budget prevent state receivership? How will it close achievement gaps? How will it address special education?

  • What if anything will BPS leaders do to begin addressing the reality of declining enrollment?

  • What are the core values guiding the future of the district, and how will those values be reflected in the superintendent search?

Ways to Engage and Resources:

  • Testify at a City Council budget hearing in the coming weeks to share your thoughts on the district’s budget.

  • Fill out the BPS Superintendent Search Survey to share your thoughts on the qualities, vision, and experience that you would like to see in the next superintendent. 

  • Attend public listening sessions in the coming weeks on the superintendent search to ensure your voice is heard:

Josh Block
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Apr 6 2022 · Last Night @ School Committee Recap · Ep. 53
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Mar 16 2022 · Last Night @ School Committee Recap · Ep. 51