Boston School Committee

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Executive Summary

The Boston School Committee convened to address critical matters including the approval of grants, in-kind donations, and collective bargaining agreements. The most significant action item was the approval of school closure proposals for the 2027 school year, impacting Lee Academy Pilot School, Another Course to College (ACC), Community Academy of Science and Health (CASH), and the reconfiguration of the Henderson K-12 Inclusion School. Public comment largely focused on emotional appeals against these closures, highlighting concerns about community disruption, lack of transparency, and potential negative impacts on students, particularly those with special needs and students of color. The meeting also included a financial update detailing budget challenges and the transition to a new rules-based funding formula. A special recognition was held for Michael O'Neill for his 17.5 years of service on the committee.

Boston School Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: December 17, 2025, at 06:00 PM Governing Body: Boston School Committee Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees: Jeri Robinson (Chairperson), Stephen Alkins, Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, Rafaela Polanco Garcia, Rachel Skerritt, Quoc Tran, Michael O'Neill, Mary Skipper (Superintendent)

I. Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Welcome and Announcements

  • Chairperson's Welcome: Jeri Robinson welcomed attendees in person and those joining via Boston City TV.
  • Meeting Logistics:
    • Attendees were requested to silence electronic devices.
    • Meeting documents are available on bostonpublicschools.org/schoolcommittee under the December 17th meeting link and via QR code for in-person attendees.
    • Documents have been translated into major BPS languages, with pending translations to be posted upon finalization.
    • The meeting will be rebroadcast on Boston City TV and posted on the school committee's webpage and YouTube.
    • Live simultaneous interpretation was offered virtually in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language. Speakers were reminded to speak slowly for interpreters.
  • Superintendent's Recognition: Superintendent Mary Skipper was congratulated for receiving the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's Women's Network 2026 Pinnacle Award for Achievement in Management and Government.
  • Memo Updates:
    • Members received a memo on School Year 25-26 school enrollment trends.
    • Members received a memo updating Cycle 3 recommendations for closures, mergers, and grade reconfigurations. Superintendent Skipper offered remarks before the vote on these items.

III. Approval of Minutes

  • Motion: To approve the minutes of the December 3rd meeting.
  • Mover: Unidentified member.
  • Seconder: Unidentified member.
  • Outcome: Approved by unanimous consent.
  • Note: The report and vote on the Elliott Innovation School Plan were deferred to a future meeting.

IV. General Public Comment

The public comment period was limited to one hour, with 30 speakers allotted two minutes each. Speakers were asked to direct comments to the Chair and state their name, affiliation, and residence.

  • Solomon McDonald (Lee Academy Student): Pleaded with the School Committee not to close Lee Academy, stating, "We really like [Lee Academy]. So please don't close it."
  • Serafina Lambright (Former Lee Academy Student): Opposed the closure of the four proposed schools, emphasizing the importance of Lee Academy as a place where students of color felt a sense of belonging. Stated, "Closing these risks removing environments where students are succeeding emotionally and socially, which directly impacts learning."
  • Jason Lambray (Parent, Lee Academy): Highlighted Lee Academy's role in his children's emotional and academic development, particularly for his youngest son with disabilities. Urged the committee to consider the community built around the school, not just the facility.
  • Leah Serena (Vice President, Boston Teachers Union; Former BPS Student & Educator): Advocated against closing Lee Academy, ACC, CASH, and reconfiguring Henderson Upper, citing Lee Academy's strength as a small, inclusive school. Stated, "Disruption without direction is not a strategy. Our students deserve stability, our families deserve trust, and our communities deserve better."
  • Eileen Carver (Retired BPS Teacher, Mother of BPS Grads): Expressed solidarity with affected schools, drawing parallels to the closure of the PA Shaw school. Criticized the lack of racial equity in school closure decisions and called for data, transition supports, transparent processes, and a facilities master plan.
  • Travis Marshall (Parent, English High School & Bates Elementary; Member, Quality Schools for Every Student - Quest): Questioned the disparity in engagement timelines for exam school admissions versus school closures. Stated, "In the BPS caste system, the price of rightsizing the district footprint is historically borne by students who are already intensely segregated by race and disability."
  • Ross Kochman (Fifth Grade Teacher, Henderson School; BPS Parent): Emphasized the Henderson School's role as a meaningfully inclusive high school, calling it a "moral and legal imperative" to maintain such models.
  • Stephanie Warr (Parent, ACC): Criticized the equity analysis for not addressing the demographic makeup of ACC (50% Black, 50% BIPOC educators, 40% students with IEPs). Stated, "Supporting these proposals is being complicit in a system that has systematically advantaged a few at the expense of the majority."
  • Douglas Peters (Sixth Grade Science & Special Education Teacher, Henderson Eppin School): Highlighted the lack of transparency in the closure process, particularly regarding the plan for inclusive students from Henderson.
  • Joseph Birch (One-to-one Para, Azul Program at CASH): Opposed the closures, stating, "I feel like you guys are doing a disservice of closing these amazing schools."
  • Krista Magnuson (Parent, BPS; Statewide Organizer, Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance - Mejia): Criticized the lack of community engagement and rapid timeline for closure decisions, comparing it to exam school admissions changes. Called for a long-term facilities plan.
  • Ricky Preston (Community Field Coordinator, CASH High School): Described CASH as a "community," "home," and "family," emphasizing its supportive culture. Stated, "Cash is a family, and families are worth fighting for."
  • Susan Asai (Member, NAACP Boston; Retired Educator): Opposed the closures, citing disproportionate impact on vulnerable students (special education, English language learners, low-income Black and Latino students). Called for a comprehensive long-term master facilities plan.
  • Megan Moskin (Parent, CASH): Praised the Azul Special Needs Program at CASH, highlighting the "Cache Cafe" for vocational skills and community interaction.
  • Giovanna Tovar (Family Liaison, Lee Academy; Parent): Advocated for Lee Academy, a pilot school, emphasizing its autonomy and success. Stated, "We were created to save our public school system. Now it's time for you to save ours."
  • Allison Foster (Parent, Lee Academy): Urged the district to keep the Lee Academy community together, stating, "Fix the building if needed. Do not dismantle the school."
  • Genesis Moretta (Parent, Lee Academy): Shared a personal story of her children thriving at Lee Academy after negative experiences at other schools.
  • Kendra McClay (Executive Director, BEJA; Former BPS Student Rep & Alum): Called for an immediate halt to all closures, citing lack of community engagement, unclear data, and no transparent transition plan. Stated, "Boston facility challenges are real, but closures are not the solution."
  • Tristan Grenham (Former ACC Student): Shared his positive experience at ACC and emphasized the lack of choice for current students facing closure.
  • Neil Beers (Teacher, Henderson K-12 School): Highlighted the unique K-12 experience at Henderson, fostering long-term relationships between students and staff.
  • Cheryl Buckman (Parent, Ruth Batson Academy; Parent Lead, Derrick; Longtime Boston Resident): Opposed closures, citing past harms and the importance of schools as "cultural homes and lifelines."
  • Han Lee (Parent, Arthur Henderson): Emphasized the Henderson's crucial role in her son's development and urged reconsideration of program closures.
  • Robert Jenkins (Class of 1978, Madison Park; President, Madison Park Alumni Association): Acknowledged the inevitability of closures due to declining enrollment and outdated facilities, but urged the district to work with affected communities.
  • Edith Pazil: Argued that closures reinforce systemic racial inequities, disproportionately affecting Black and Brown students. Called for racial equity over political expediency.
  • Mike Heisman (Dorchester): Criticized the timing and lack of authentic community engagement in the closure process.
  • Suleika Soto (Boston Public Schools Parent): Criticized the repetitive nature of closures and the lack of genuine community input, stating, "The impact is not neutral. Fall on black, brown, immigrant, multilingual, and low-income communities."

V. Grants for Approval

  • Superintendent's Remarks: Six grants totaling $592,990 were presented for approval.
    • $390,000 Fair Share Earmarks grant from the State Executive Office of Education, serving 3,000 students at Adams, Giles, Madison Park Vocational Tech, and O'Brien School of Math and Science. Purpose: education projects (child care, literacy, high-quality classrooms).
    • $69,990 continuing competitive MICAP planning and implementation grant, serving 24,000 students district-wide. Purpose: supplementary support for MICAP implementation.
    • $67,500 Qatar Foundation International Arabic Language Expansion Grant for Brighton High School, serving 114 students. Purpose: expand Arabic language program from 1 to 2 FTE.
    • $37,500 Fair Share Earmarks state-budgeted funded grant from the Department of Early Education and Care, serving 330 students at Harvard Kent Elementary School. Purpose: playground enhancements.
    • $25,000 new competitive Mass Cultural Council Creative Experiences grant for SY 25-26, benefiting O'Donnell, Sarah Roberts, Josiah Quincy, Kilmore, and Tech Boston Academy (in addition to 22 previously approved schools and the Student Advisory Council). Purpose: creative experiences (woodworking, music, dance).
    • $3,000 Influence 100 grant. Purpose: stipends for three district staff members participating in a two-year fellowship to prepare for superintendent roles.
  • Question from Committee: Member Cardet-Hernandez noted an incorrect end date (preceding start date) for FC0598.
    • Correction: The end date should be 6-30-2026.
  • Motion: To approve the grants as presented, as amended for the correct grant date.
  • Mover: Unidentified member.
  • Seconder: Unidentified member.
  • Outcome: Approved by unanimous consent.

VI. In-Kind Donations

  • Superintendent's Remarks: In-kind donations from AZW Law, with an estimated total value of $13,000, were presented for approval. These include Legos, art supplies, printers, and other materials for the Ellis, MLK Elementary, and Blackstone Innovation Schools.
  • Question from Committee: Member Cardet-Hernandez asked if decodable readers included in donations are aligned with the district-wide literacy curriculum.
    • Response: Yes, donations are checked with the relevant department.
  • Motion: To approve the in-kind donations as presented.
  • Mover: Unidentified member.
  • Seconder: Unidentified member.
  • Outcome: Approved by unanimous consent.

VII. Collective Bargaining Agreements (BASIS)

  • Superintendent's Remarks: Jeremiah Hassan, Director of Office of Labor Relations, previously presented these agreements on December 3rd.

    • Tentative agreement with the Boston Association of School Administrators and Supervisors (BASIS) for their 2024-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), effective September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2027.
    • BASIS members ratified the agreement on December 2nd.
    • Key provisions:
      • General wage increase of 2% in FY25, FY26, and FY27.
      • Addition of Step 9 to the salary scale, aligning with other scales, with a 2.5% wage increase between Steps 8 and 9.
      • $3,000 differential for members with a JD degree.
      • Guaranteed salary placement at the step closest to but above their base salary when transferring from a BTU or managerial position.
      • Automatic application of career awards.
      • Requirement for members to work with school leaders on a PDP learning plan.
      • 18 weeks of paid parental leave, aligning with current management policy.
      • Notification by April 15th for changes to assignment or lack thereof for the following school year.
    • Request for an FY26 supplemental appropriation of $1,307,901 to support the CBA.
  • Motion 1 (CBA Approval): To approve the collective bargaining agreement between the Boston School Committee and BASIS, effective September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2027, as presented.

  • Mover: Unidentified member.

  • Seconder: Unidentified member.

  • Roll Call Vote:

    • Dr. Alkins: Yes
    • Mr. Cardet-Hernandez: Yes
    • Ms. Polanco Garcia: Yes
    • Ms. Rachel Skerritt: Yes
    • Mr. Tran: Yes
    • Mr. O'Neill: Yes
    • Ms. Robinson: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved (7-0).

  • Motion 2 (FY26 Supplemental Appropriation): To approve the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriation request to support the collective bargaining agreements between the Boston School Committee and BASIS in the amount of $1,307,901.

  • Mover: Unidentified member.

  • Seconder: Unidentified member.

  • Roll Call Vote:

    • Dr. Alkins: Yes
    • Mr. Cardet-Hernandez: Yes
    • Ms. Polanco Garcia: Yes
    • Ms. Rachel Skerritt: Yes
    • Mr. Tran: Yes
    • Mr. O'Neill: Yes
    • Ms. Robinson: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved (7-0).

VIII. Approval of School Closure Proposals for School Year 2027

  • Chairperson's Reflections: Jeri Robinson acknowledged the difficulty of school closures, emphasizing the need for strong student outcomes and the importance of providing the best physical spaces and education.
  • Superintendent's Final Comments: Mary Skipper reiterated that closures are difficult but necessary due to declining enrollment, underutilized buildings, and stretched resources.
    • Recommendations are part of the district's long-term facilities plan, developed with community engagement and guided by criteria and metrics.
    • All recommendations, if approved, take effect June 30, 2027, except for Russell Elementary's 6th grade addition, which begins SY 26-27.
    • Proposed Actions:
      • Close Lee Academy Pilot School (K0-3) on June 30, 2027.
      • Close Another Course to College (ACC) on June 30, 2027.
      • Close Community Academy of Science and Health (CASH) on June 30, 2027.
      • Merge the Henderson K-12 Inclusion School lower and upper into one Pre-K-8 school community on June 30, 2027, eliminating grades 9-12 and the transition program.
    • Additional Reconfigurations (not requiring committee vote):
      • Tobin K-8 school reconfigured as Pre-K-6, closing 7th and 8th grades, effective end of SY 26-27.
      • Russell School Pre-K-5 reconfigured as Pre-K-6, adding grade 6 effective start of SY 26-27.
      • Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINCA) to move into the Cleveland building (currently partially occupied by CASH) to expand as a multilingual hub.
    • Rationale for Closures over Mergers: Mergers are not always feasible due to receiving schools' physical condition, space, and programmatic capacity. Merging schools with high percentages of specialized programs can overwhelm communities.
    • Timeline Adjustment: The vote was scheduled before the 26-27 school registration period (early January) to inform families.
    • Student Support: Approximately 800 students impacted by closures, 300 by reconfiguration. Last year, 93% of transferring students received one of their top three choices.
    • Programmatic Support:
      • Mission Hill K-8 School will work with the district to welcome some ACC students.
      • Multiple schools are working to ensure continuity for students with emotional impairment.
      • CASH students (39% multilingual learners) will have the option to attend BINCA, which will expand programming.
      • Lee Academy students will have access to schools on their choice list, including Henderson.
      • Henderson 9-12 and transition program students will have access to high schools like Tech Boston, Quincy Upper, and the Next program.
    • 18-Month Transition: This period allows for transition planning and support for students, families, and staff.
  • Committee Discussion:
    • Ms. Polanco Garcia: Acknowledged district challenges but emphasized the importance of community voices. Questioned follow-up for students impacted by previous closures and the impact on students with special needs. Stated, "My vote will be a thoughtful and deliberate one, guided by institutional responsibility, but also by the deep respect and love I hold for our families and students."
    • Ms. Skerritt: Shared personal connection to ACC. Noted themes from community engagement: framing as a "facilities plan" is confusing, "why" for closure not fully understood, and historical BPS decisions contributing to current issues. Called for progress monitoring, regular updates on student/staff support, and more detail on special education vision.
    • Dr. Alkins: Agreed with community concerns about historic blunders and systemic inequities. Acknowledged the district's challenge of not over-promising and under-delivering. Highlighted the district's investment in renovation projects for majority Black and Brown schools (Shaw Taylor, Ruth Batson Academy, Madison Park). Emphasized the need for earlier engagement with school communities.
    • Mr. Cardet-Hernandez: Acknowledged the pain and fear caused by closures. Criticized BPS's history of "reckless" financial management and lack of a master facilities plan. Expressed concern about capacity, staffing, and transportation for students with disabilities, particularly at ACC and Henderson. Called for leading with system capacity building in future closure announcements.
    • Mr. Tran: Focused on the equity question: "Are these students, the likelihood of these students be successful educationally, to be better or to be worse, to be worsen?"
    • Mr. O'Neill: Emphasized the difficulty of closure votes. Acknowledged the "why" (system-wide needs) and "how" (implementation). Praised the Superintendent's commitment to high-quality student experiences and the improved transition process compared to past closures.
  • Motion: Ordered that the Boston School Committee hereby approves the following actions as recommended by the superintendent of schools:
    • Close Another Course to College on June 30, 2027.
    • Close Community Academy of Science and Health on June 30, 2027.
    • Merge the Henderson K-12 Inclusion School lower and the Henderson K-12 Inclusion School upper into one Pre-K-8 school community on June 30, 2027.
    • Close Lee Academy Pilot School on June 30, 2027.
    • Another Course to College, Community Academy of Science and Health, and the Henderson K-12 Upper School will not enroll grade nine students in the school year 26-27.
    • Lee Academy Pilot School will not enroll new pre-K students in the school year 26-27. The school will not be assigned new students except in the case of siblings in grades K2-3.
    • All students at Another Course to College, Lee Academy Pilot School, and Community Academy of Science and Health will receive transition support and a no pathway priority enrollment preference in the school choice process for placement in school year 2027.
  • Mover: Unidentified member.
  • Seconder: Unidentified member.
  • Roll Call Vote:
    • Dr. Alkins: Yes
    • Mr. Cardet-Hernandez: Yes
    • Ms. Polanco Garcia: No
    • Ms. Skerritt: Yes
    • Mr. Tran: Yes
    • Mr. O'Neill: Yes
    • Ms. Robinson: Yes
  • Outcome: Approved (6-1).

IX. Finance Update

  • Superintendent's Introductory Remarks: Mary Skipper outlined the annual financial update, noting a difficult budget season for FY27 due to:
    • Significant cost increases (healthcare premiums, collective bargaining, transportation, special education).
    • Enrollment decline: 1,700 students in current year, anticipated 1,300 additional decrease next year.
    • Transition to a new rules-based funding formula, replacing the weighted student formula (WSF).
    • Central office identified $30 million in efficiencies through zero-based budgeting (following $17 million reduction in FY25 and $5 million in FY26).
    • Priorities remain: Inclusion Education Plan, equitable literacy, dual language/bilingual pathways, long-term facilities planning, MassCore implementation, early college/career pathways, operational efficiency.
  • Chief Financial Officer David Bloom & Deputy Chief Financial Officer Blair Dawkins Presentation:
    • FY25: Closed on budget but required temporary funding (ESSER carryover, circuit breaker revenue, cost underspending) to offset higher-than-expected health insurance and transportation costs.
    • FY26: Continued cost overruns (health insurance, yellow bus transportation, out-of-district special education, food services, increased fill rate for positions). No federal COVID relief funds available. Strategies include central office spending pause, active cost management for operations, IEP review, and position management in under-enrolled schools.
    • FY27 Budget Proposal:
      • Enrollment decline driven by smaller cohort sizes and federal immigration policies.
      • New rules-based funding formula (Reimagining School Funding System) is being rolled out after a multi-year community engagement process.
      • Formula is rules-based, allowing transparency.
      • Required staffing and non-personnel are funded first, based on student needs (contractual, special education, ESL minutes).
      • Per-pupil funding is used for discretionary spending, with differentiation based on student needs.
      • Central office reductions: $16.5 million in operational efficiencies (transportation, facilities, food services) and $12.5 million in true reductions from central budgets (totaling a 4% reduction).
      • Anticipated reduction in FTEs (Full-Time Equivalents) in schools and central office.
      • Continued prioritization of inclusive education, bilingual program expansion, alternative education, and high school pathways.
      • Budget revisions will account for school closure vote. Impacted schools will receive custom budgets.
      • FTE context: Pre-pandemic (53,000 students) had just under 10,000 FTEs. This fall (46,000 students) has just over 10,700 FTEs.
      • Timeline: School leaders received FY27 budgets, training completed. Budget proposals due early January. Full proposal to committee in early February. Public engagement through March. Vote on March 25th.
  • Committee Questions and Comments:
    • Mr. Cardet-Hernandez: Emphasized tying budget to goals and measurable outcomes.
      • Transportation: Asked about total spend, special education share, and strategies to bend the cost curve while maintaining IEP compliance.
        • Response: Total transportation spend around $150 million. Door-to-door and out-of-district special education are major drivers. Strategies include Zoom-related efficiencies (pairing schools), comprehensive review of special education costs (ensuring services are still needed), and student assignment (encouraging close-to-home options). Hopeful for level or slightly down costs in FY27.
      • Staffing: Asked which roles are protected, areas under review for reduction, and projected cuts.
        • Response: Preserving direct service providers (co-teaching, push-in/pull-out) and support staff (social workers, specialists). FTE reductions expected in teachers and paraprofessionals due to declining enrollment. Anticipated 300-400 positions, primarily teachers and paraprofessionals.
      • New Funding Formula: Asked about guardrails to prevent destabilizing swings for schools during transition.
        • Response: Transition funding will be for specific, one-year needs, not indefinite "soft landings." Focus on identifying specific impacts and transition needs.
      • Central Office Efficiencies: Asked for top five items creating $16.5 million in operational efficiencies and $12.5 million in central office reductions, and if savings are recurring.
        • Response: Examples: Transportation (scheduling two schools with one bus), Facilities (aggressively looking at contracted work, moving to capital), Food Services (new central kitchen for better food at cheaper price, projected deficit reduced from $3M to $1.7M). Central office reductions include freezing vacant positions. More specifics on reductions will be provided after conversations with impacted employees.
      • Inclusive Education Savings: Asked if moving students from substantially separate to full inclusion would generate savings.
        • Response: Long-term potential for savings, but short-term focus is on spending to "get it right."
    • Ms. Polanco Garcia: Asked for differences between the old and new funding formulas.
      • Response: Old WSF was per-pupil, leading to underfunding for under-enrolled schools. New rules-based formula funds required positions first (classroom-based at elementary, section-based at high school) at full cost, then adds differentiated per-pupil funding for discretion.
      • Asked about the plan for training school leaders and families on the new formula.
        • Response: School leaders and family liaisons are key. Training provides talking points on classroom-based funding, supplemental staff allocation, and differentiated per-pupil funding. Also, providing "transition narratives" for each school to explain budget changes.
    • Ms. Skerritt: Encouraged clarity on bilingual program expansion in future presentations. Asked about the role of arts education and world language in the new funding model.
      • Response: Bilingual program growth at Blackstone, Sarah Roberts, Quincy, Mather, and new program at Lilla Frederick (Cape Verdean and Creole). Arts education is core, supported by EdVestors, and intertwined with MassCore requirements. World language is also a MassCore requirement. These areas are protected from cuts.
    • Mr. O'Neill: Asked about protecting schools that were careful with ESSER funds versus those that bulked up on personnel.
      • Response: The formula will be the "great equalizer." Transition funding will be specific and for one year, tied to clear rationales. The goal is to get schools to where they need to be long-term, not provide indefinite soft landings.
      • Asked about the impact of staff reductions on bumping and destabilization.
        • Response: Prioritizing provisional teachers and those on waivers before teachers with seniority. Human Capital is working on certifications and placement. Regional model will be used for referrals. Goal is to preserve diverse workforce.
      • Healthcare Costs: Asked about improving communication around healthcare costs, which are approaching $16,000 per FTE and $175 million for the district next year.
        • Response: Need to communicate the value of benefits to employees and the public. Also, ensure schools and departments understand the full cost (salary + benefits) when adding FTEs.

X. Recognition of Michael O'Neill

  • Chairperson's Remarks: Jeri Robinson celebrated Michael O'Neill's 17.5 years of outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to BPS. Highlighted his emphasis on monitoring progress, institutional knowledge, business experience, and commitment to college and life readiness for students.
  • Proclamation: Read into the record, acknowledging his service since July 15, 2008, his leadership as Chair and Vice Chair, and his lasting impact.
  • Superintendent Skipper's Remarks: Praised O'Neill's representation of BPS as a student, business leader, and national figure (Council of Great City Schools). Acknowledged his dignified and empathetic approach to difficult decisions. Noted his transition to Executive Director at PIC (Boston Private Industry Council).
  • Gift Presentation:
    • A street sign: "Michael O'Neill Way."
    • A replica of a Paul Revere bowl, with an inscription mirroring his father's, recognizing civic leadership.
  • Committee Members' Tributes:
    • Ms. Polanco Garcia: Thanked O'Neill for his guidance and kindness, stating, "I did learn from you, Mr. O'Neill, that there are difficult decisions we have to make, but we have to make decisions."
    • Dr. Alkins: Thanked O'Neill for his welcoming nature and inspiration, noting his dedication and presence at school events.
    • Mr. Tran: Recalled O'Neill's presence at his swearing-in and his role in "mellowing" his initial anger, teaching him to consider all angles.
    • Ms. Skerritt: Thanked O'Neill for his steadfast, collaborative, and thoughtful approach, and for his behind-the-scenes work with school leaders. Acknowledged his influence on her return to BPS.
    • Ms. Robinson: Reflected on their long working relationship, O'Neill's positive outlook, and his leadership in the Council of Great City Schools.
  • Michael O'Neill's Remarks: Thanked colleagues, past superintendents, Mayor Menino, Walsh, and Wu, senior teams, executive secretaries, school leaders, and his family. Emphasized his love for visiting schools and the exemplary teaching and learning happening daily. Expressed pride in the committee's work on inclusive opportunities, multilingual learners, and facility improvements. Quoted President Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" speech, reflecting on the committee's work. Announced his continued work with the Boston Private Industry Council.

XI. New Business

  • Ms. Polanco Garcia: Raised the topic of bilingual programs, specifically a Mandarin program at Josiah Quincy, noting community interest. The Superintendent confirmed that additional conversations would continue in January.

XII. Adjournment

  • Upcoming Meetings:
    • Virtual meetings from January through March, starting at 5:30 PM.
    • Annual organizational meeting: Monday, January 5th, at 5:30 PM.
    • Next regular meeting: Wednesday, January 21st, at 5:30 PM (virtual).
    • Complete 2026 meeting schedule to be posted after formal approval at the organizational meeting.
  • Motion: To adjourn the meeting.
  • Mover: Unidentified member.
  • Seconder: Unidentified member.
  • Outcome: Approved by unanimous consent.
  • Time: The meeting adjourned.

Last updated: Jan 10, 2026