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Boston Public Schools Faces Challenges as Agreement Expires

Students and educators engaging in a vibrant Boston public school environment.

News Summary

Boston Public Schools is bracing for significant changes as an essential agreement with the state is due to expire in June 2025. The agreement aimed to address various challenges in educational services, particularly for vulnerable groups such as English learners and special education students. Despite a history of criticism regarding the school district’s performance, advocates continue to express concerns about achievement gaps and the lack of community input. As new programs are initiated, ongoing issues like transportation and the potential closure of school buildings remain points of contention.

Boston Public Schools Faces Challenges as Agreement Set to Expire

Boston is gearing up for some big changes in its education system as the agreement between the state and Boston Public Schools (BPS) is set to expire in June 2025. This agreement was originally crafted to tackle the serious concerns around educational services, especially for vulnerable students like English learners and those in special education. Unfortunately, as the deadline approaches, it looks like several issues are still on the table.

A History of Challenges

Not too long ago, the state called out BPS for addressing these challenges poorly and described the school district as being in a state of chronic dysfunction. There was a laundry list of improvements that the state wanted to see, including better planning for transportation and school facilities. Critics are now raising concerns that BPS has not fully delivered on its commitments, especially when it comes to supporting special education students and English learners.

Achievement Gaps Persist

Despite some reported progress by BPS, alarming achievement gaps still exist between Black and Latino students compared to their white and Asian peers. This ongoing disparity has led many advocates to demand stronger state oversight to ensure that all students receive the high-quality education they deserve. To no one’s surprise, upcoming elections for the Mayor of Boston are ramping up discussions around education, with many looking closely at how well current leadership is handling these challenges.

Mixed Reviews on Progress

While the Mayor and BPS Superintendent tout improvements and claim that the district is no longer at risk of falling under state receivership, the reality is somewhat different. As of now, there are still 44 schools within the district that are labeled as low-performing, meaning they could still come under scrutiny for state intervention. Some parents are expressing their frustration, saying that community input during decision-making processes has been sorely lacking.

New Programs Underway

In response to the concerns, BPS has initiated new programs specifically targeting English learners and students in special education. Yet, reports indicate that students may not be getting all the help they require. One controversial decision that sparked much outrage among families is the proposal to close around one-fifth of the school buildings across the district, leaving many unsure about what the future holds for their children’s education.

Transport Troubles

Transportation issues are another ongoing headache for BPS. Recent data shows that the district narrowly missed its goal of having 95% of buses arrive on time, achieving just 94% in April 2025. This minor slip-up is a part of a larger picture where families are still struggling with reliable transportation to and from school.

Addressing Educational Needs

Teachers and advocates continue to voice concerns over issues like English learners being placed into English-only classrooms, which can create significant barriers to academic success. Although a new long-term facilities plan has been issued, it lacks clarity regarding which schools will close and the timing for these closures. This vagueness raises questions for many families and educators about their future educational landscape.

Small Wins Along the Way

On a brighter note, there have been some advancements as Boston Public Schools have successfully rolled out 17 new education programs for English learners since the original agreement was made. Excitingly, a first-in-the-nation Cape Verdean Creole Dual Language program is set to launch in the 2026-2027 school year, which could provide a unique educational experience for the community.

What Lies Ahead?

As we look forward, it’s crucial to remember that about one-third of Boston’s students are currently enrolled in some of the state’s lowest-performing schools. This troubling statistic has led to calls for more strategic planning and accountability to improve student outcomes. While Boston has seen some improvements in safety measures and support for struggling schools, it’s clear that there’s still much work ahead.

As the clock ticks down toward the expiration of the educational agreement, the community is left wondering what the future holds for Boston Public Schools. It’s an ongoing conversation, and let’s hope that it leads to positive changes for every student in the city.