News Summary
Boston’s education leaders have proposed a series of school closures and reconfigurations aimed at enhancing student experiences and addressing declining enrollments. This strategic initiative, spearheaded by city officials, targets operational efficiency and resource optimization in Boston Public Schools. The changes include closing three schools and reconfiguring three others, impacting over 2,300 students. Community concerns regarding transitions and the implications for marginalized populations have emerged, emphasizing the need for transparent communication as the city navigates this critical educational reform.
Boston, a city rich in history and educational aspiration, finds itself at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of its public schools. Local educators and administrators demonstrate remarkable resilience as they navigate evolving needs within the system, continually striving to provide the best possible learning environments for students. In a move designed to streamline operations and enhance academic offerings, the city’s leadership has put forth a series of proposals for school closures and reconfigurations. This strategic approach highlights a commitment to fostering academic growth and ensuring that every student has access to robust educational opportunities. By making deliberate decisions about resource allocation, Boston is taking steps towards a more efficient and effective educational framework, potentially reducing bureaucratic redundancies and empowering schools to better serve their communities.
Strategic Vision for Boston Education
Mayor Michelle Wu and Superintendent Mary Skipper have jointly proposed a plan to close and reconfigure several schools. This initiative, unveiled in November 2025, is framed as a critical step towards enhancing educational experiences across Boston Public Schools (BPS). The proposed changes are scheduled to take effect in June 2027. This long-term planning aims to create a more sustainable and impactful educational infrastructure for Boston’s future, focusing on delivering the highest quality student experience.
Specifics of School Closures and Reconfigurations
The proposal included the closure of three schools, which were subsequently approved by the Boston School Committee in December 2025. These schools are the Lee Academy Pilot School (PreK-3, located in Dorchester), Another Course to College (grades 9-12, located in Hyde Park), and the Community Academy of Science and Health (CASH) (grades 9-12, located in Dorchester).
Additionally, three other schools are slated for reconfigurations, also approved by the Boston School Committee in December 2025. The Henderson Inclusion School will transition from a K-12 institution to a PreK-8 school, which involves eliminating grades 9-12 and its transition program for 18-22 year old disabled adults. The Tobin Elementary School will drop grades 7 and 8, becoming a PreK-6 school. Lastly, the William E. Russell School will add 6th grade, also becoming a PreK-6 school. These adjustments are projected to directly affect over 2,300 students enrolled in Boston Public Schools.
Addressing Enrollment Shifts and Facilities Needs
A primary rationale for these changes stems from shifts in student enrollment. Boston Public Schools has experienced declining enrollment, attributed to lower birth rates and a decrease in international immigration. The district saw a dramatic decline in student numbers during the pandemic. This has led to a long-term goal to decrease the district’s physical footprint. Furthermore, concerns regarding the condition of some school facilities, such as the age of the Lee Academy building and the design of the Another Course to College building being more suited for elementary students, informed these decisions. These strategic moves aim to optimize school resources, address declining enrollments, and consolidate services to create more robust and modern learning environments, ultimately enhancing access to safe, healthy, and inspiring learning spaces for every BPS student.
Budgetary Realities and Resource Reallocation
Financial considerations are a significant factor in these decisions. Boston Public Schools has proposed a $1.71 billion budget for the next school year. The district is addressing a projected $53 million deficit in the current year, which has led to a partial hiring freeze. It is anticipated that between 300 and 400 staff positions will be reduced across the district, including over 200 teachers and more than 100 paraprofessionals, support staff, and administrative jobs. Approximately 160 of these projected staff reductions are directly associated with the schools slated for closure. The district faces increasing costs in key areas such as health insurance, transportation, out-of-district special education, and labor contracts, with these costs rising faster than revenues. The closures and reconfigurations are expected to generate $21 million in cost savings, which will be reallocated back into the Boston Public School system to directly support educational initiatives.
Community Feedback and the Path Forward
The announcement and approval of these changes have naturally generated significant community discussion. Parents and students voiced their concerns, advocating for their schools to remain open during public comment sessions. There have been expressions of sadness from parents, particularly concerning schools like Lee Academy Pilot School. Concerns were also raised about ensuring a smooth transition for all students, especially those with special needs, and the potential for these changes to disproportionately affect marginalized student populations, with a high percentage of Black or Latino students and students with disabilities in the schools designated for closure. Furthermore, worries persist regarding the impact of staff reductions on student support services, including paraprofessionals, programming, classroom support, and mental health services. The process underscores the importance of transparent communication and collaborative engagement between district leadership, families, and community stakeholders to ensure that the district’s stated goal of “delivering the highest quality student experience” and “expanding access to safe, healthy, and inspiring learning spaces for every BPS student” is realized during these transitions in Boston education.
Boston’s strategic approach to school closures and reconfigurations reflects a proactive effort to adapt and improve its educational landscape. These decisions, aimed at enhancing student experiences and optimizing resources, demonstrate a clear commitment to the future of Boston MA schools. By carefully managing resources and embracing innovative approaches, the city seeks to build a more robust and responsive public education system, benefiting Massachusetts classrooms for generations to come. We encourage all residents to remain informed and engaged in the ongoing dialogue surrounding these important policy decisions. Your active participation helps shape the future of education in our community, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Support your local schools and get involved in educational policy discussions to contribute to a brighter academic future for Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main proposal concerning Boston schools?
Boston’s mayor and superintendent proposed closing and reconfiguring several schools to enhance educational experiences, with changes set for June 2027.
Which schools are proposed for closure?
The proposed closures include the Lee Academy Pilot School (PreK-3, in Dorchester), Another Course to College (9-12, in Hyde Park), and the Community Academy of Science and Health (CASH) (9-12, in Dorchester).
Which schools are proposed for reconfiguration?
Three schools are proposed for reconfiguration: the Henderson Inclusion School (transitioning from K-12 to a PreK-8 school, eliminating grades 9-12 and its transition program for 18-22 year old disabled adults), the Tobin Elementary School (dropping grades 7 and 8 to become a PreK-6 school), and the William E. Russell School (adding 6th grade to become a PreK-6 school).
When were these proposals approved?
The Boston School Committee approved the closures and reconfigurations in December 2025.
When will these changes take effect?
The changes are set to go into effect in June 2027.
How many students will be impacted by these changes?
The proposed closures of three schools, and reconfigurations of three others, would impact more than 2,300 Boston Public School students.
What is the financial impact of these changes?
These efforts are supported by new funding and by $21 million in cost savings from school closures and reconfigurations that will be reallocated into BPS.
Are there staff reductions associated with these changes?
About 218 of the projected 426 staff cuts should come from school closures and grade reconfigurations.
Key Features of Boston School Changes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposal Initiators | Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Superintendent Mary Skipper |
| Proposal Announcement Date | November 2025 |
| Approval Date | December 2025 by Boston School Committee |
| Effective Date of Changes | June 2027 |
| Schools Proposed for Closure | Lee Academy Pilot School, Another Course to College, Community Academy of Science and Health (CASH) |
| Schools Proposed for Reconfiguration | Henderson Inclusion School, Tobin Elementary School, William E. Russell School |
| Number of Students Impacted | More than 2,300 Boston Public School students |
| Projected Cost Savings | $21 million, to be reallocated into BPS |
| Projected Staff Cuts from Changes | About 218 of projected 426 total staff cuts |
| Current Number of Boston Schools | 109 schools |
| Primary Rationale for Changes | Declining enrollment, facilities conditions, enhancing educational experiences, optimizing resources |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
