Superintendent's plan closes 6 Boston schools
Boston's school superintendent is proposing closing six public schools and a learning center as part of a plan to move students out of underperforming schools.
Carol Johnson made her proposal Wednesday night to the Boston School Committee saying some of the schools would close at the end of the current school year.
The plan would be to close three elementary schools, an early learning center, and three high schools of the Hyde Park Education Complex. The change would affect thousands of students.
Read: Plan details and background community surveys
"This proposal puts the best interest of the students and families of Boston at the forefront," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "With this plan as our guide we will be able to expand some of our most promising programs and launch new ones. We are making decisions that will benefit our students right away."
In addition to moving students from low-performing schools into higher-performing programs and schools, the proposal includes transforming a middle school into a charter schools; add a Montessori program and more early education opportunities; create more K-8 options; and expand partnerships with Commonwealth Charter Schools and alternative education providers.
"We can't tolerate persistent under-achievement at any of our schools," said Dr. Johnson. "It is not an option. It is never an easy decision to close schools, but parents have told us loudly and clearly that academic performance must be our top priority."
The final decision will be made in November.
