Podcasts about school committee

This session shares my conversation with School Committee members Reis Hansen and Stephen Karunakaran. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Our conversation covered the following topics from the School Committee meeting of JUne 9, 2026:Strawberry Stroll, Kickball Tournament, field day, and other events coming upSuperintendent review and evaluation processFacility updates to get to the redistricting, and next steps this summerWorking group report on artificial intelligenceOur conversation runs about 47 minutes. Let's listen--------------School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee School Committee subcommittee assignments - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/hgHgIZ5L_iY?&t=235 The agenda document https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06092026-2356 The presentations documents should be posted in a couple of days to this folder https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/june-9%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/28109200 Photos of the Facility presentationhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/t3rkbwCxnDm6A9Wy6 Photos of the AI discussion presentationhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/TqNxhuTk8og7WqRp8 My notes from the meeting in one PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/10XRFLsUqujf3Z3QPzGOKU6cEOS-mWuoS/view?usp=drive_link -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We'll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Last night's Boston School Committee meeting covered a wide range of issues, beginning with Superintendent Mary Skipper's report on the district's ongoing budget concerns, staffing updates, teacher diversity, as well as the implementation of a new cell phone policy. While district leaders highlighted student achievements and positive developments across Boston Public Schools, the public comment period created an emotional reaction focused on proposed changes to the Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) program. Teachers, advocates, and families passionately defended the program, emphasizing its critical role in supporting English learners whose formal education has been interrupted by circumstances such as displacement or political instability. Speakers argued that reducing SLIFE services would disproportionately impact some of the district's most vulnerable students and raised broader concerns about whether budget pressures are beginning to undermine the exact programs designed to close achievement gaps. Additional testimony focused on challenges families face navigating special education placements and accessing appropriate supports for students with disabilities. The Committee later unanimously approved several routine measures, including grants, donations, and other financial governance documents. The Committee members then unanimously approved a new district Artificial Intelligence policy, and an updated Opportunity and Achievement Gap Policy aimed at advancing academic excellence and improving student outcomes. Members also heard a powerful presentation from the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpedPAC), whose leaders stressed the urgency of improving inclusion, accountability, and communication with families of students with disabilities. SpedPAC emphasized that while systemic change takes time, students experience educational opportunities in real time, making delays in services, staffing, transportation, and interventions especially consequential. The meeting concluded with a review of Superintendent Skipper's annual evaluation, where she received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5, placing her in the “Proficient” category. Committee members praised progress in instructional leadership and district operations while identifying family and community engagement and stronger use of measurable performance data as key areas for growth. Budget overruns and ongoing fiscal challenges were also central themes in the evaluation discussion, underscoring the difficult balancing act facing district leadership heading into the next school year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex's family chinchilla, Doug, passed away over the weekend — and the story behind it involves frozen hamburger and is somehow both heartbreaking and hilarious. We talk about navigating pet deaths with your kids as we remember the life of Doug.  Then, a Nantucket woman offered brownies to the School Committee — before casually revealing they contained trace amounts of Ex-Lax. No one ate them. It was a protest against PFAS testing standards for a proposed turf field, and now there's a police report. Alex and Ethan react to the video.  Plus, viral footage out of China shows a humanoid robot in a clown wig roundhouse-kicking a child in the stomach during a martial arts demo at an amusement park. Was this an issue of robot safety or poor planning of event boundaries?    Stream KSL NewsRadio LIVE: kslnewsradio.com/listen Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KSLBrightside Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KSLBrightside Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KSL_Brightside TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ksl.brightside

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of May 12 (with School Committee) and the 2 budget hearings (May 20, May 21). Yes, we skipped over the May 13 Council meeting. Oops!We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsJoint meeting with School Committee, strategic planBudget discussions, questions and answers Final numbers coming up for the June 10, and then June 17 sessionJune is full of eventsThe conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let's listen in--------------Franklin TV videos for replay The joint Town Council / School Committee Meeting on Tuesday https://www.youtube.com/live/jsQHXSy8xEITown Council - budget hearing #1 - https://www.youtube.com/live/womMM5S5euI?&t=175 Town Council - budget hearing #2 - https://www.youtube.com/live/UVb5ngWB93Q?&t=127 --------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We'll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith. We had our discussion via Zoom on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from four recent meetings:Our conversation covered the following topics:Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - April 16Joint Town Council & School Cmte meeting May 12School budget discussion at budget hearing #1 - Wednesday, May 20School Committee meeting - May 26Our conversation runs about 43 minutes. Let's listen--------------School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee School Committee subcommittee assignments - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons The Franklin TV video is available for replay - Joint Budget - April 16 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbKccD9CA3Q Joint Town Council & School Cmte meeting - May 12 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsQHXSy8xEI Budget hearing #1 - May 20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=womMM5S5euI School Cmte meeting - May 26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=womMM5S5euI -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We'll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

1. The Thompson Middle School Crisis & District Oversight The Platform of Transparency: Cullen was elected to the School Committee on a platform of bringing fresh energy, rigorous questioning, and balancing what she termed an "imbalance in decision-making" between the administration and the committee. The 5th-Grade Pivot: How does she view the committee’s recent reversal keeping the 5th grade at Thompson Middle School? This situation highlights her broader campaign push for a more integrated, proactive strategic planning process rather than reactionary shuffling of student populations. The Facility Reality: As a fourth-generation Newporter whose son attended Thompson, Cullen has a deep personal connection to the district's footprint. With the Rhode Island School Building Authority signaling that a new middle school is the ultimate long-term necessity, what is her realistic timeline for addressing TMS’s structural future? 2. The Regionalization Roadblock & Economic Realities The Cost of Going it Alone: Cullen has consistently advocated for getting the School Committee and the City Council on the exact same page financially. With regionalization dead in the water for the November 2026 cycle and the joint advisory commission (AIAC) stalled, how does Newport shoulder the independent bond burdens of the new Rogers High School while staring down a future middle school build? An Integrated Vision for Aquidneck Island: Cullen has long championed unconventional, localized approaches to education—specifically integrating STEAM initiatives with Newport’s local architecture, maritime assets, and the Blue Economy. How can the district implement these forward-thinking vocational pathways (like reviving marine tech) if it remains siloed from Middletown and constrained by duplicate administrative costs? 3. Committee vs. Administration Friction: School Access & Safety The "Fundamental Disagreement" over Security: Cullen recently brought internal administrative tension into the public eye following a sharp disagreement at an April meeting regarding security protocols at the new Rogers High School. The Core Issue: Cullen characterized a secondary entrance layout as a design flaw and argued that School Committee members face "artificial barriers" when trying to perform on-site oversight, noting she was met with a chilly reception by staff despite having an appointment. She proposed badges/technology for committee members to ease access. The Pushback: The proposal drew significant pushback from Chair James Dring and other members over liability, safety protocols, and proper channels (with assertions that all visits should clear the Superintendent's office first). Oversight vs. Boundary Lines: Cullen points directly to the independent safety report issued by former State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell, arguing that improved communication and coordination are required to fix long-ignored systemic failures. This clash underscores her broader critique that the committee's oversight of the superintendent has been lax for years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Making up for last time (no regular episode of CPP in a few weeks … and still, sadly, no Biff) Joe and Jacques record this super long fun filled ADHD all over the map episode. We start with going deep into the CPP vault and playing a fan favorite Joe – Self Indulgent Theater (which really, it's not Joe being indulged ... but at Jacques demanding) … John Oliver doing the theme from Cheers. Start off talking the fun new Eddie Murphy doc (and the need for him to do a puppeteering special) … which led to talking Dolemite Is My Name bio-pic Murphy did  …  which led to us watching and talking Rudy Ray Moore (the real Dolemite's movie) The Human Tornado! Into the weekly, this is why Tony V is the greatest talk and how awesome the Kristin O'Brien Town and City Fest show was couple weeks ago,  Like to say thanks to Jim Gaffigan for I'm sure he'd say yes had we asked, uses of his clip on “Spring”! Dominik Lay on the School Committee in Lowell has become Jacques “Public Enemy Number Dumb” and has set Jacques down path of getting more involved in local government … but also Jacques and Management did met Ed Markey this week! Chat Managements amazing humanitarian trip to Ukraine last week to … driving a donated car from London to Lviv Ukraine and working at a dog sanctuary in Lviv. Chat VAR questionable call in Westham Arsenal game being THE most consequential call in VAR Premier League history — giving Arsenal the title (over City) AND relegating the Hammers! Chat the great Siskel and Ebert long run of shows of movie reviews, Dare Devil Reborn season 2, Maul – Shadow Lord and YES … squeezes in some Resident Evil 9 gaming talk. … And … a parenting tip? Opening Song: Gomer by Beyond Id (on Spotify on album “The Stovin' Years) Ending Song: Gates Of Hell – Sebadoh Cover by Beyond Id (live on WMFO 1994)

Last night's Boston School Committee meeting was straightforward and relatively mundane, highlights of the evening included conversations about transportation, budgeting, and the district's effort to prepare for the rapid growth of artificial intelligence in schools.  The evening began with a recognition ceremony honoring graduating seniors from the Boston Student Advisory Council. Superintendent Mary Skipper then spotlighted improvements in bus reliability, noting that morning on-time performance climbed from 85% in February to 94% in April, while afternoon performance increased from 81% to 89%. The Committee then approved more than $1.45 million in grants, including a major state rebate supporting the expansion of electric school buses. The district then submitted a request for an additional $22.8 million supplemental appropriation to balance the current fiscal year budget, with officials again pointing to rising health insurance costs, transportation expenses, and special education obligations as major drivers of the deficit. The most forward-looking portion of the meeting came during the district's presentation of its proposed artificial intelligence policy framework. District leaders described the proposal as a set of guardrails intended to promote ethical, safe, and responsible AI use while ensuring that human judgment remains central to education. Committee members raised questions about academic integrity, overreliance on technology, and the potential loss of foundational skills. The final version of the policy will be voted on and approved in July. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(4-16-26) Guest former Methuen School Committee Member Kristen Maxwell discusses the teacher on leave for inappropriate relationship with a student and the porn material that teacher was publicly advocated be read in the classroom - PAYING ATTENTION PODCAST

This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, April 13, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting March 24, 2026.Our conversation covered the following topics:Lifelong learning updateStudent Opportunities Act Plan VoteEndorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan Subcommittee & Liaison role updatesOur conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let's listen--------------School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee School Committee subcommittee assignments - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87 The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201 My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learninghttps://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28-------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We'll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot comThe music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.I hope you enjoy!------------------You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Last night's School Committee meeting touched on a number of critical issues for BPS, including a vote on a policy amendment to MassCore, an ask for more money to fill a budget gap, an update on decade old policy surrounding opportunity and achievement gaps, a new strategic roadmap, as well as an an approval for a new MSBA statement of interest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night was the first full meeting in a month after a series of budget hearings. The meeting covered three topics; vote on the 2026-2027 budget, update on MassCore and the annual discussion on school choice. We dig into each of these areas on our blog and on the podcast. We are also excited to unveil a new tool to help you better understand the BPS budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday evening, the district held a hearing focused on the Central Office budget. In their presentation, district leadership stated that they prioritized "student-facing" investments that directly supported schools. Highlights from the central office budget (https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1772555621/bostonpublicschoolsorg/ohke7hrux3oayndphpag/FY27BudgetPresentation-CentralBudgetProcess1.pdf) include an $86 million increase due to four main categories: health insurance, transportation expenses, special education, and collective bargaining. More specifically, transportation saw a year-over-year rise of 9%, and special education saw a significant jump of 22%. The district was able to find some operational efficiencies in the budget. For instance, they were able to reduce the number of staff at the central office, thus saving $11 million for FY 27. Nevertheless, there are significant financial outlays in the district's budget that hamper the impact of these minimal savings.  During the public comment period of the hearing, there were 38 public speakers, many of whom were concerned about the impact of staffing cuts on student life and experience. School committee members then pushed the district to respond to questions about cuts to paraprofessional staffing levels, the enormous cost of transportation, and how student outcomes align with the budget. The budget process will continue with a final hearing on March 18, followed by a School Committee vote on March 25, before heading to the Boston City Council for final appropriation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Rojas reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night, the district had a two-part meeting, beginning with a Budget Hearing for FY 2027 and then a short School Committee meeting. The budget hearing largely touched on many of the same financial themes we have heard from the district before, including transportation costs and collective bargaining expenses, while also highlighting some more granular fiscal challenges at the school level. School Committee members asked a number of questions about multilingual programming, cuts to personnel, and the connection between the FY 27 budget and the long-term facilities plan.  After a brief public comment period, the meeting moved on to a discussion of a new collective bargaining agreement between School Bus Monitors and the district. Notably, this new agreement requires BPS to ask Boston City Council for an extra $1 million this fiscal year to fund the contract. We will keep tabs on how the City Council reacts to this request as well as similar asks in the future.  Here at the Shah Foundation, we wanted to provide readers with an in-depth look at some of the budget issues for FY 2027. Our team has put together the below analysis, with further commentary and statistics at the link on the bottom of the page. Budget and Staffing:  Boston Public Schools proposed a $1.71B budget for FY2027, a 4.5% increase over the current budget, and greater than 8% increase from the $1.58B budget initially passed for FY2026. The total employee headcount for BPS will drop to 10,496, down 5% or 531 positions from FY2026. Total enrollment for the 2026 school year is just 44,416  (46,547 including in-district charters), down more than 1,600 students from 2025 – the lowest enrollment on record. This 8.3% budget increase over last year's adopted budget is the second largest increase since FY2019. Since that year, the budget has increased by 54%, and total staffing is more than 12% higher. Over the same period, enrollment dropped by 14%, and the total number of BPS schools receiving funding has decreased to 106, down from 124. To read more interesting analysis about next year's budget, click here.  What's Next:  We are in the midst of the budget process - the next budget hearing will be held on March 4th! Stay tuned for more coverage. Be well!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night kicked off the FY 2027 budget season with an overview and a release of all the budget documents. The district's preliminary FY27 budget proposal totals $1.71 billion, representing a $74 million increase over current spending. This increase comes even as BPS serves roughly 3,000 fewer students than last year, continuing a multi-year trend of declining enrollment. On a per-pupil basis, the district is now spending approximately $37,000 per student. What makes this especially concerning is that increased spending has not translated into improved outcomes. Only one-third of high school students are currently on track to meet BPS graduation standards, and proficiency in ELA MCAS for students in grades 3–8 has declined from 35% in 2019 to 29% in 2025. During that same period, the district added approximately 1,700 positions, raising fundamental questions about staffing growth, productivity, and accountability. Transportation costs illustrate this disconnect. The FY27 budget proposes an additional $11 million for transportation, bringing total spending on yellow buses to approximately $200 million annually, despite ongoing reports from families that buses remain unreliable and poorly coordinated. Perhaps the most important exchange of the night came when Member Skerritt asked how the district could be confident that this budget would not lead to another fiscal crisis. District leaders touched on some new practices, including requiring schools to budget for benefits and eliminating positions rather than creating positions with the expectation that they remain unfilled. But that response only underscored the deeper concern: why were these safeguards not in place already?  What's Next:  This is just the beginning of the budget process. Over the next six weeks, we will be covering the district's budget presentation to the committees, at both school and district levels, to illustrate how BPS is navigating this challenging time. Be on the lookout for more information related to this budget cycle, as this is crucial for the future of the district.  The next meeting will be held next week on February 12th at 5:30 pm. Stay warm and stay tuned for more on the Boston School Committee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SC82 - School Committee 9/3/25

SC83 - School Committee 10/22/25

SC90 - School Committee 11/5/25

SC91 - School Committee 11/19/25

WC80 - Warrant Committee 11/3/25 with school committee

SC96 - School Committee 1/7/26

The Boston Public Schools (BPS) School Committee held its first meeting of 2026 this week, coming at a critical moment for the district with new committee members, the current $53 million budget deficit, as well as serious questions about inclusion and transparency. Superintendent's Report: Staffing, Closures, and Next Steps Superintendent Mary Skipper began her report by addressing the district's next steps following the recent vote on school closures. Superintendent Skipper stated that BPS has held meetings with school leaders to plan transitions, assigned senior project managers to each affected school, and started reviewing student-level data to provide targeted support. Additionally, Superintendent Skipper noted the focus is on student and family transitions, staff support, and community engagement. Later in her report, Superintendent Skipper turned to one of the district's most urgent challenges: a projected $53 million deficit in the current fiscal year. She attributed the shortfall primarily to rising health insurance costs, filling vacant positions, additional bus routes, food services, and out-of-district special education. New Committee Members:  The Superintendent also acknowledged changes to the composition of the School Committee. Two new members, Lydia Torres and Franklin Peralta, joined the body, and Rachel Skerritt was named Vice Chair. The changes come alongside notable departures. Long-time member Michael O'Neill resigned after 17 years of service, and Brandon Cardet Hernandez was not reappointed despite applying for a second term. Inclusive Education: Two Divergent Visions  The most contentious portion of the meeting came during a joint presentation on services for students with disabilities. Superintendent Skipper reaffirmed the district's commitment to inclusive education as part of the now-concluded DESE Systemic Improvement Plan. But Edith Bazile, Chair of the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC), offered a starkly different assessment. She argued that BPS lacks a clear inclusion strategy, a defined timeline, and a dedicated budget. Instead of expanding successful inclusive models, she noted, the district is closing them, including nationally recognized programs like Henderson Upper School. Ms. Bazile also raised concerns about access to data, particularly data needed to assess outcomes for students with disabilities. She highlighted autism as a racial and gender equity issue, noting that nearly 80% of students with autism in BPS are male and that Black and Latino students make up the majority of these students. Inclusion, she argued, must be measured by outcomes and the district has not provided sufficient data to evaluate its own practices. Notably, what was framed as a joint presentation often felt like a public debate, revealing deep misalignment between Kay Seale, Director of Special Education for BPS, and parent advocates. The contrast raised serious concerns about communication, trust, and whether the district's vision for inclusion is shared.  Conversation with a Former Committee Member:  Lastly, we had the opportunity to speak with former School Committee member Brandon Cardet-Hernandez. Member Cardet-Hernandez spoke about the recent decision relating to the Madison Park rebuild, how failure of the district to adhere to MassCore requirements, as well as a number of other topics.  Here at the Shah Foundation, our team put together a deep-dive into both the renovation of Madison Park, the state of MassCore completion, and the aforementioned budget gap. To gain a clearer grasp of the district's budget concerns, please click here. To learn more about Madison Park, please click here, and to better understand how students in BPS are handling MassCore, please click here.  The next meeting will be on February 4th at 5:30pm. We look forward to connecting with you then! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12/29/25: Gwen Agan: the view from the principal's office and the school committee. Megan Zinn, Lee Thomson & Alice Hough:” Whatcha reading?”—fantasies to consider. Lucia Dostal—an amazing musician—in studio! Thomas Draudt: “Conversations on Main”— Picture Main St.

They were out in full  force this week attacking anyone who opposed their efforts to defend the status quo! The Methuen, MA School Nazis defended the failed superintendent of schools after the Valley Patriot newspaper investigation revealed that more than 70% of the kids in the Methuen schools cannot read OR do math at grade level. Also a look back at the way one of the school Nazis acts at a city council meeting. Methuen Council votes no confidence in the School Committee and superintendent MORE!

At last night's meeting, many important issues were discussed and decided. These included an important memo about enrollment decline, a school closure vote, and a budget update. Conversations between the Committee and district pointed to long-term issues for BPS. The School Closure Vote:  The most anticipated item of the evening was the vote on school closures. Chair Robinson framed the decision as part of a broader strategy to improve academic outcomes, address underutilized facilities, and strengthen the district's long-term sustainability. Superintendent Skipper emphasized declining enrollment, excess capacity, and the need to concentrate resources in fewer schools, referencing the district's long-term facilities framework and enrollment projections as justification for the closures. Committee members expressed significant unease ahead of the vote. Several members raised concerns about students who have already experienced multiple school transitions due to prior closures and questioned whether the district has tracked outcomes for those students. Others noted confusion around the district's emphasis on facilities, particularly in cases where school buildings remain in usable condition. Members also highlighted broader systemic failures, including the absence of a clear, actionable long-term facilities plan and a history of delayed accountability. Despite widespread concern, unresolved questions, and visible discomfort among several members, the Committee approved the school closure plan by a vote of six in favor and one opposed. The discussion made clear that some members viewed the vote as a necessary fiscal decision rather than an educational one, underscoring the tension between budget realities and student-centered outcomes. A Financial Update:  The final presentation of the evening focused on the district's financial outlook as budget season begins for the Committee. Superintendent Skipper described mounting fiscal pressures, including rising healthcare costs, collective bargaining agreements, transportation expenses, special education costs, and continued enrollment decline. District leadership also introduced the transition from weighted student funding to a new rules-based funding formula, intended to more equitably fund schools and provide greater transparency. Chief Financial Officer David Bloom explained that the new funding model prioritizes required staffing and non-personnel costs before allocating remaining resources, marking a shift away from per-pupil funding. District leadership emphasized that transition support will be provided to schools over the next two years, as the shift occurs. Committee discussion highlighted the district's nearly $150 million transportation budget, inefficiencies in service delivery, and parallels between rising healthcare and transportation costs. Members raised concerns about accountability and questioned whether longstanding inefficiencies are being meaningfully addressed. Committee members also questioned the growth in support staff amid declining enrollment. District officials indicated that staffing reductions will largely affect classroom teachers and paraprofessionals, while attempting to preserve positions tied to inclusive education and student support services. Estimates suggest that several hundred positions may be eliminated as enrollment continues to fall and schools close, reinforcing concerns about the district's long-term workforce planning. A Closing Recognition and Looking Ahead:  The meeting concluded with the Committee honoring Vice Chair Michael O'Neill for his 17 years of service to the BPS and the City of Boston.  The next public meeting will be held virtually on January 21st, 2026 at 5:30pm. In the meantime, we hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season filled with health, joy, and community. We will see you in the new year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introduction:  The meeting opened with an executive session to discuss a tentative agreement with the Boston Association of School Administrators and Supervisors (BASAS), which the Committee will vote on at its next meeting on December 17th. Additionally, the Committee recognized Taylor McCoy, an Inclusion Specialist at Mattahunt Elementary School, as the 2025 Shattuck Award recipient. Members celebrated her dedication as well as the work of countless educators who serve students every day. Public Comment:  Public comment was emotional and dominated by strong opposition to the proposed school closures, including Another Course to College (ACC), the Community Academy of Science and Health (C.A.S.H.), the Henderson Inclusion School, and Lee Academy. There were 60 speakers scheduled to comment at the meeting, though the actual number of speakers was closer to 50. Students, parents, teachers, and community members emphasized the importance of each school community and the lack of clear transition plans for impacted students. Speakers also pointed to the contrast between the district's update on inclusive practices and the forthcoming vote to close many schools with high-needs students. Additionally, in response to requests from the public, Committee Members Skarrett and Cardet-Hernandez requested that the district present detailed transition plans for students. For the fourth meeting in a row, public speakers also raised concerns about the lack of citywide bilingual education programming and urged the district to expand multilingual learner support. The district released a memo to the public about proposed expansion prior to the meeting. Notably, the findings from the district underscored the cost of transportation for students as a major challenge in developing citywide programming. In a separate memo released earlier in the day, the district announced that a system-wide cell phone policy will be released in 2026. We will continue to monitor how this situation plays out.   Inclusive Education Plan Update:  The only report of the evening focused on the district's progress toward implementing inclusive education. Superintendent Skipper framed the update as a continuation of the district's 2022 strategy to move all schools toward inclusive classroom models. BPS previously submitted its Inclusive Education Plan to DESE in October 2023 as part of the Systemic Improvement Plan. District staff described improvements over the past three years and highlighted tools and practices they believe are beginning to show positive student outcomes. Committee members raised multiple concerns about implementation, clarity, and outcomes. Member Cardet-Hernandez questioned why some schools' student populations still do not reflect district demographics and pushed the district on protections against over-identification of Black boys and multilingual learners for substantially separate placements. District staff acknowledged ongoing concerns, noting that although the rate of substantially separate placements has decreased to 30.7%, it remains unacceptable. Member Alkins asked directly about the challenges the district still faces in implementing inclusive practices. The response focused on professional development and cross-functional collaboration rather than on student outcomes or systemwide effectiveness. Member Skerrett pressed for clear benchmarks and targets to measure whether inclusion efforts are actually improving student progress. The presentation offered few concrete indicators, raising lingering questions about outcomes as well as how the district will measure success during upcoming budget discussions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Human beings are judgy creatures. It's part of being social animals. But want to guarantee conflict during the holidays? Start judging other family member's parenting. Too much sugar for your cousin's toddler? The horror! Not enough emotional expression allowed by your brother-in-law? Disappointing! Whether you are the judge or the judged (and we're often both), shifting your approach during holiday gatherings will benefit everyone. Let's talk strategy, reality, and talking at least 85% less. WE'VE MADE PLAYLISTS OF OUR EPISODES TO HELP YOU FIND RESOURCES ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. Here is our first: For those brand new to the podcast, we suggest starting with this playlist featuring Lynn Lyons and the 7-part anxiety disruptor series as well as a 3-part series on the skills most helpful in managing anxious kids: flexibility, problem solving, and autonomy. Consult our Spotify profile for the most up-to-date selection.   We will select two listeners who complete our listener survey. We hope it is you!   FOLLOW US Join the Facebook group to get news on the upcoming courses for parents, teens, and kids. Follow Flusterclux on Facebook and Instagram. Follow Lynn Lyons on Twitter and Youtube. Sign up for Greenlight today and get your first month free when you go to greenlight.com/FLUSTER. Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/freeflusterclux! Head to lumen.me/FLUSTER for 15% off your purchase. Get 15% off Oak Essentials with the code [FLUSTERCLUX15] at oakessentials.com/FLUSTERCLUX15. Just for listeners of FlusterClux, get 20% off sitewide and a FREE travel case and countertop stand at GETQUIP.COM/FLUSTER. As a special, limited-time offer for our listeners, get $40 off your purchase of a Skylight Calendar when you go to SkylightCal.com/FLUSTERCLUX. Search “Last Night at School Committee” wherever you listen to podcasts for highlights on the big decisions that are affecting students, using Boston as a real-world example. Parents of Anxious Kids, Start HereWIN A COPY OF THE ANXIETY AUDIT COURSE!VISIT OUR SPONSORS FOR SPECIAL OFFERS JUST FOR YOU: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last Night at School Committee - November 19th, 2025:  Here's what happened Last Night at the Boston School Committee meeting. Superintendent's Report: The Superintendent began with updates on transportation and enrollment, noting that the district has seen record-high transportation performance this fall. Morning on-time performance has reached 95% or higher on nine separate days, a remarkable increase given that in past years BPS only hit that mark twice during the first 45 days of school. Member Cardet-Hernandez, however, inquired about the headline the Superintendent avoided mentioning: the recent bribery and kickback scheme involving a Transdev employee, and the long-standing oversight failures that allowed uncertified drivers and other safety lapses to occur. The Superintendent stated that the latest transportation contract includes stronger accountability provisions, but did not elaborate on what those measures look like.  The Superintendent then shifted to enrollment, reporting that the district currently serves 46,824 students, an astonishing drop of 1,700 students from this time last year. She attributed the decline to reduced international immigration, fewer children being born in Boston, and smaller cohorts moving through the system. Vice Chair O'Neill followed with questions about how this compares to projections, how much revenue depends on enrollment, and what the district expects for next year. In response, CFO David Bloom explained that Boston's budget is largely insulated from enrollment declines because city appropriations are not tied to student count. Instead, the budget is tied to local taxes. Moreover, supplemental state and federal grants are based on prior-year enrollment, so the shifts will not have any impact on this coming year. The Long-Term Facilities Plan:  The main report of the evening was the long-term facilities plan. Superintendent Skipper framed the work as an effort to align buildings with a shared definition of a high-quality student experience. She asserted the vision is one informed by thousands of surveys, listening sessions, and community engagements. Superintendent Skipper also emphasized that decades of deferred maintenance and sharply declining enrollment have made this planning unavoidable.  Chief of Capital Planning Delavern Stanislaus then presented an in-depth review of the district's proposed school closures, mergers, and reconfigurations. The plan includes closing Lee Academy Pilot School, Another Course to College (ACC), and the Community Academy of Science and Health (CASH); restructuring the Henderson School into a unified PreK–8 program; and reconfiguring both Tobin and Russell into PreK–6 schools. Stanislaus also previewed a broader arc of closures, noting that by 2030, the district anticipates approximately eight additional elementary schools and six high schools will ultimately close Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last night's Boston School Committee meeting was filled with votes on various topics crucial to the future of the district, including an adjustment to the Exam School Admissions Policy as well the Competency Determination for the Classes of 2026 and 2027. Here's what happened:  Superintendent's Update: Food Security for Students Superintendent Mary Skipper opened with how the district is responding to the federal pause on SNAP benefits. She emphasized that all students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch at BPS sites, and highlighted ongoing school-based food drives and a centralized drive at the Bolling Building. OAG Task Force Membership Proposal:  The Committee reviewed and advanced a new group of members for the Opportunity & Achievement Gaps (OAG) Task Force, which advises and holds the district accountable for a shared plan to close gaps. The updated slate of members were unanimously approved by the Committee later in the evening. Public Comment: Exam Schools, AI, and Dual Language: There were 32 speakers during the public comment period, and many addressed the pending exam school admissions vote, but the night also featured a notable student call for a formal district AI framework, including teacher training and certification for responsible use. Additionally, a number of speakers, once again, urged expansion of dual-language programs, echoing similar requests from last week. It will be interesting to monitor whether the Committee moves forward with this request due to the high volume of testimony.  Adjusted Exam School Admissions Policy:  In a long-awaited vote, last night was the culmination of months of testimony, presentations, and discussion regarding a change to the Exam School Admissions policy. Superintendent Skipper framed the proposal as a compromise of keeping the benefits of the old system while tweaking other aspects. The recommendation preserves the socioeconomic tier structure while adding a citywide pathway for top-scoring students. In speaking about the decision, Member Stephen Alkins urged deeper equity analysis and simulations to surface nuance for marginalized populations who comprise the district's majority. Member Rachel Skerritt stressed the core issue in the district: across BPS, there are not enough students meeting grade-level standards in ELA and math to fill the ~1,000 seventh-grade exam school seats. The adjusted policy passed the committee, with 4 members in favor and 2 members opposed (with one member absent). Secondary Schools/Competency Determination:  After the exam school vote, the Committee then considered three more votes: Chapter 74 (CTE) Admissions Policy for five high schools (Madison Park, English High, Boston Arts Academy, Boston Green Academy, and EMK). Middle School Career Exploration policy to better inform students about CTE pathways earlier. Updated Competency Determination (CD) policy aligned to DESE's summer 2025 changes (the Committee had approved a BPS CD framework in June 2025; this update brings it into compliance with DESE's revisions). Member Skerritt sought clarity on what Competency Determination now means for the Classes of 2026 and 2027 versus graduation requirements. She emphasized that the competency determination is a temporary substitute for grade-10 MCAS as a graduation gate and does not equal a diploma. Instead, it's merely one eligibility condition alongside MassCore and successful completion of four years of study.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wendy Joering, Executive Director, The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, joins the show for an in-studio reaction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally recorded on November 3rd, 2025. On January 13th, 2025 a special joint meeting of the Northampton City Council and the Northampton School Committee appointed Anat Weisenfreund to serve as Ward 2 representative for the next 10 months. Anat is now running for a full term on the school committee (election day is November 4th). On this special episode of Panorama, Andrea Egitto, teacher and president of Northampton Association of School Employees (NASE), and Carrie Foley, special education teacher at Bridge Street school, join Anat to discuss the Northampton Public Schools (NPS). What is the state of NPS for teachers, staff, and families? What's going right and what are its struggles? Despite the 32 percent increase in school funding, how is that the schools are cutting positions? And what does Anat mean when she says, "intentional family engagement"? They answer all of those questions and more on this special episode of Panorama.

Today:Brandon Cardet Hernandez, member of the Boston Public School Committee, discusses the literacy bill making its way through Beacon Hill, bell-to-bell phone bans in schools, and getting rid of the MCAS as a graduation requirement.Then economic scholar Chuck Collins discusses his latest book: Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power are Ruining Our Lives and Planet. 

Last night's Boston School Committee meeting covered declining enrollment, the Superintendent's contract and an update on transformation schools. Enrollment and Graduation Rates:  Member Brandon Cardet-Hernandez raised two key questions about district trends, enrollment and graduation rates, both of which have been ongoing areas of concern. Superintendent Skipper confirmed that enrollment is declining across the district, particularly among “newcomer” students, whose numbers are “roughly half” of what they were last year. She explained that while BPS is working to support families, several upcoming cohorts will be smaller, a trend driven by both post-COVID demographic shifts and broader declines in birth rates. The Superintendent also noted that a more complete enrollment report will be presented in November. As for graduation rates, Skipper said that while internal numbers suggest an increase in June graduations and a “robust summer cohort,” final figures will not be available until the state releases official data later in the school year. Public Comment and the Upcoming Exam School Vote: 33 speakers addressed the Committee during public comment, with many focused on the exam school admissions policy. The upcoming vote on this issue will take place next week, and the evening featured impassioned arguments on both sides of the debate, some defending the current system with others pushing for policy shifts. In addition to the exam school discussion, quite a few speakers advocated for increasing access to dual-language programming. Superintendent's Contract Discussion:  The Committee then voted to approve several grants before turning to a discussion of Superintendent Skipper's new contract. In framing the conversation, Superintendent Skipper spoke passionately about her commitment to Boston and the mission of BPS. Absent in the discussion was a lack of benchmarks or goals tied to Skipper's renewal. Member Cardet-Hernandez echoed this sentiment, and he called for a more calibrated and evidence-based evaluation process. Transformation Schools Accountability Update:  The Committee then heard an update on Transformation Schools, schools identified by the state as requiring targeted intervention. Superintendent Skipper noted that while there are “signs of progress,” persistent challenges remain, including low student achievement and chronic absenteeism. She highlighted that for the third consecutive year, more schools improved their accountability percentile than declined, with 18 schools improving and eight remaining steady. Member Cardet-Hernandez called the presentation both encouraging and sobering, noting that despite incremental gains, roughly one-third of BPS schools remain in transformation status, serving the highest concentrations of Black, Latino, low-income, multilingual, and special education students. State of the Schools Address: Special guest, Greg Maynard, from the Boston Policy Institute discussed the first ever State of the Schools address from Mayor Michelle Wu. While the Mayor touted new bilingual education, an increase of air conditioning units, and improvement on  transportation times, there were a number of more thorny issues that the Mayor avoided. The speech stopped short of confronting the district's most pressing challenges. For instance, while Mayor Wu cited examples of students taking advanced coursework, her discussion of overall academic performance was minimal. Mayor Wu did not address Boston Public Schools' recently released MCAS results, which remain far below pre-pandemic levels. Finally, on transportation, Wu noted that 96% of school buses arrived on time yesterday but did not address the district's long-term failure to meet the standards required under the 2022 Systemic Improvement Plan (SIP), which set a monthly 95% on-time goal. To read the full speech, please click here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's episode includes a conversation with Erika Reinfeld, candidate for re-election to the School Committee. For more information about her campaign, check outhttps://www.erika02155.com/

Welcome to Monday Night Talk podcast for October 13, 2025! The guests for this segment is Matt Stanton, who is a candidate for Brockton's Ward 3 School Committee seat, visits the show to discuss his campaign for office.  Monday Night Talk is proudly sponsored by Tiny & Sons Glass, Old Colony Planning Council and Alcoholics Anonymous. Monday Night Talk is proudly sponsored by Tiny & Sons Glass, Old Colony Planning Council and Alcoholics Anonymous, the Committee to Elect Jean Bradley Derenoncourt, Committee to Elect Jeff Charnel and Committee to Elect Moises Rodrigues.  Do you have a topic for a future show or info on an upcoming community event? Email us at mondaynighttalk@gmail.com If you're a fan of the show and enjoy our segments, you can either download your favorite segment from this site or subscribe to our podcasts through iTunes & Spotify today!  Monday Night Talk with Kevin Tocci, Copyright © 2025.

10/24/25: MTA Pres Max Page: the shutdown & the future. Rep Mindy Domb: cuts to SNAP & fuel assistance and how to resist. Emily Serafy-Cox, candidate for N'ton School Committee. Michael Lawrence-Riddell & hip-hop artist Akrobatik on Self-Evident Education. Bombyx's Cassandra Holden: events, art & community.

10/24/25: MTA Pres Max Page: the shutdown & the future. Rep Mindy Domb: cuts to SNAP & fuel assistance and how to resist. Emily Serafy-Cox, candidate for N'ton School Committee. Michael Lawrence-Riddell & hip-hop artist Akrobatik on Self-Evident Education. Bombyx's Cassandra Holden: events, art & community.

10/24/25: MTA Pres Max Page: the shutdown & the future. Rep Mindy Domb: cuts to SNAP & fuel assistance and how to resist. Emily Serafy-Cox, candidate for N'ton School Committee. Michael Lawrence-Riddell & hip-hop artist Akrobatik on Self-Evident Education. Bombyx's Cassandra Holden: events, art & community.

10/24/25: MTA Pres Max Page: the shutdown & the future. Rep Mindy Domb: cuts to SNAP & fuel assistance and how to resist. Emily Serafy-Cox, candidate for N'ton School Committee. Michael Lawrence-Riddell & hip-hop artist Akrobatik on Self-Evident Education. Bombyx's Cassandra Holden: events, art & community.

10/24/25: MTA Pres Max Page: the shutdown & the future. Rep Mindy Domb: cuts to SNAP & fuel assistance and how to resist. Emily Serafy-Cox, candidate for N'ton School Committee. Michael Lawrence-Riddell & hip-hop artist Akrobatik on Self-Evident Education. Bombyx's Cassandra Holden: events, art & community.

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The Boston Dad Daryl Silva joins us to promote fundraiser for homeless veterans, then we talk about the fake book banning scandal in the Methuen Schools and then Methuen School Committee candidate Alejandro Baez joins Tom to talk about the state of Methuen Schools.

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10/22/25: Robbie Saner Sullivan, N'ton at-large school committee candidate. CDH Surgeon Dr. Michelle Helms on Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brian Adams w/ Grow Food Northampton's Farm & Land Mgr, Piyush Labhsetwar, & Co-Dir, Michael Skillicorn: what we grow & why. Chuck Collins "Burned by Billionaires: How Concentrated Wealth and Power Are Ruining Our Lives and Planet.”

Welcome to Monday Night Talk podcast for October 13, 2025! Guests and topics for this podcast includes a discussion with Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell who opens the show talking about her campaign for re-election. Local realtor Richard Rosen will share his insight on the spring & summer real estate market and what to expected for home sales in the fall. Matt Stanton, candidate for Brockton's Ward 3 School Committee seat, visits the show to discuss his campaign for office. Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, author of, “A Protest History of the United States” will discuss her new book. Monday Night Talk is proudly sponsored by Tiny & Sons Glass, Old Colony Planning Council and Alcoholics Anonymous. Monday Night Talk is proudly sponsored by Tiny & Sons Glass, Old Colony Planning Council and Alcoholics Anonymous and the Committee to Elect Jean Bradley Derenoncourt. Do you have a topic for a future show or info on an upcoming community event? Email us at mondaynighttalk@gmail.com If you're a fan of the show and enjoy our segments, you can either download your favorite segment from this site or subscribe to our podcasts through iTunes & Spotify today!  Monday Night Talk with Kevin Tocci, Copyright © 2025.

At last night's Boston School Committee meeting, members dove immediately into another discussion about the Exam School Admissions Policy Recommendation, foregoing the usual Superintendent's Report. In response to committee requests from the last meeting, the district presented new simulations that gave equal weight (as opposed to 70% grades and 30% MPA score) to both GPA and MAP assessment scores. The district found that there was minimal change in the overall makeup of students admitted to exam schools. Secondary Schools Policy Update: The Committee then moved through grant approvals and then heard a report on secondary school policies, including graduation and vocational admissions criteria. The Committee discussed adding weighted lotteries for all vocational programs, spurring questions about the complexities of admissions for families. District leaders outlined new competency determination requirements to align with updated state (DESE) standards for the Class of 2026 and beyond, with adjustments for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and those with exceptional circumstances. Embedded in the district's presentation was also a recommendation for a watered-down MassCore with a “D-” signaling mastery in certain courses. This raised concerns about expectations and abiding by the previous Committee votes to use MassCore as the graduation standard.  Additionally, the district failed to present data for the Class of 2025, prompting Member Brandon Cardet-Hernandez to question how many students are currently on track to meet graduation standards. He noted that in the presentation disseminated by the district only 41% of the Class of 2026 appears to be on pace to complete MassCore, and therefore graduate. Summer Learning Initiatives: Next, the Superintendent presented on Summer Learning 2025, reporting participation from 14,600 students, up 600 from the previous year. The district highlighted stronger collaboration across departments and improved multilingual family communications. However, outcomes from these summer programs were nonexistent.  Member Cardet-Hernandez questioned whether the district is truly committed to evaluating outcomes. He pressed for evidence that these expensive programs are actually closing achievement gaps. Member Skerritt echoed that same concern, asking for longitudinal tracking of student outcomes, noting that with today's data tools, the district should be able to easily compare participants' attendance, growth, and testing results to prior years. MCAS and Accountability Results: The final report of the night centered on 2025 State Assessment and Accountability Results. Superintendent Skipper cited “encouraging progress” in literacy for grades 3–8 and said Boston outperformed other large districts statewide. But a closer look revealed troubling trends. Member Cardet-Hernandez questioned the effects of “social promotion,” advancing students who haven't met grade-level standards, and how this impacts high school achievement. Member Skerritt then asked what proficiency targets the district is actually aiming for, suggesting BPS set clear districtwide goals through 2030. As the below chart indicates, MCAS scores remain below pre-pandemic levels across all grades: Despite these declines, the district framed the results as “encouraging,” a characterization that is difficult to reconcile with the data. What's Next:  The meeting was emblematic of the district's current crossroads: a push for optimism and narrative control amid academic stagnation. The next meeting will be held on October 29th. We look forward to connecting with you then! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Today Tom interviewed Lawrence City Councilor Marc Laplante about his Lawrence Square Project to honor local veterans, a little on the Methuen elections and then he interviews Kristen Maxwell of the Methuen School Committee about her campaign and the Methuen School Audit Report.