By Edward Mason
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Hub schools chief Carol R. Johnson is proposing shuttering six struggling schools, merging others, and launching new city-controlled charter schools, part of a sweeping program to improve the city’s struggling schools.
Johnson, who unveiled her plans last night before the School Committee, told the Herald that summer meetings with parents showed they’re as impatient as she is for change.
“Parents want their kids to be in successful schools right now,” Johnson said. “We don’t need to wait for the state to tell us which of our schools are underperforming.”
If School Committee votes Nov. 3 to approve the plan, the schools would close in June.
Among the schools slated for closure are three Hyde Park high schools – the Community Academy of Science and Health, the Engineering School and the Social Justice Academy.
Two elementary schools – the Ralph Waldo Emerson in Roxbury and Roger Clap in Dorchester – would close, and the East Zone Early Learning Center will be moved to the William Trotter in Roxbury and James Holland in Dorchester.
Also, South Boston’s Patrick F. Gavin Middle School would be converted into an in-district charter school called UP Academy, while the Lee Elementary and Lee Academy would merge.
Johnson also is proposing adding at least one in-district charter school beyond UP Academy and is asking for proposals for more.
The schools slated for closure or merger were picked because they were academic weaklings, Johnson said.
But Boston Teachers Union honcho Richard Stutman noted at least one of the schools, the Gavin, had better MCAS scores than other schools left untouched.
“It’s a perplexing development,” Stutman said. “But I think they’re determined to do it that way.”
Still, Johnson found support last night from Boston City Councilor John Connolly, who chairs the education committee.
“Nobody likes it when they’re school is closing, but I support the superintendent,” Connolly said. “She’s got to make tough choices to move the schools forward and give kids better opportunities to make investments in programs.”
