City Council calls for more transparency from Wu administration on school closures

"Frustrated families are being left in the dark about how Boston's leaders are deciding which schools need to close, councilors said. The Boston City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to call for more transparency from the Wu administration and Boston Public Schools regarding ongoing efforts to close schools and consolidate the BPS system. There are many allies of Mayor Michelle Wu on the City Council, and the body has occasionally faced criticism for falling in line too easily with the mayor's agenda."

"The closures and mergers are necessary due to the decreasing enrollment in BPS and the fact that many schools need significant upgrades. With too many schools and not enough students in each of them, disparities are growing, officials say. The School Committee is currently weighing a proposal to close three schools, including two small high schools in Dorchester and Hyde Park. A vote is scheduled for next week."

"Mejia took issue with families learning about school closures through social media or news reports, instead of directly from BPS leaders themselves. "As a BPS graduate, a BPS mom, and a BPS agitator, I think it's time for us to really start stepping up on behalf of the families that we serve and holding BPS accountable," she said."

Boston City Council voted unanimously to demand greater transparency from the Wu administration and Boston Public Schools about school closure and consolidation efforts. Councilors expressed support for closures driven by declining enrollment and aging facilities but said families lack clear insight into decision-making and transition plans. The School Committee is considering closing three schools, including two small high schools in Dorchester and Hyde Park, with a vote scheduled next week. Councilor Julia Mejia urged delaying the vote and called for a publicly accessible master plan with long-term enrollment projections, building needs, construction plans, and potential school closures. Mejia criticized families learning about closures via social media or news rather than direct BPS communication.

Read at Boston.com