Ep. 66, Last Night @ School Committee: 7/13 Meeting Recap

Last Night At School Committee

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 was a short meeting and the first featuring Acting Superintendent Drew Echelson. Chair Jeri Robinson began by noting that discussions are still underway regarding contracts for Dr. Echelson and new superintendent Mary Skipper, and that more information will be shared at a future meeting.

Dr. Echelson next shared his Acting Superintendent’s Report, which included an update on how the district is preparing for the mandates laid out in its agreement with the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in areas including transportation, special education, and more. He announced that he will be creating several new positions within the Central Office, including the promotion of the current Senior Executive Director of Data and Accountability to the newly-created position of Assistant Superintendent of Data, Strategy, and Implementation.

The meeting continued with just eight public comments, followed by unanimous votes approving charter renewals for three Horace Mann Charter Schools and athletics association membership for eight Boston schools. The meeting concluded with a free-flowing discussion of School Committee processes and procedures – a discussion that did not reach a clear resolution on reforms or next steps.

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