FYI from BSF, 01.06.23
New Term
Eight years ago, then Governor Charlie Baker delivered his inaugural address. In less than 2600 words, Baker discussed his vision for the Commonwealth, featuring three specific references to education: “closing achievement gaps,” praising the work of Lawrence receivership (led by now Commissioner Jeff Riley), and calling for the expansion of charter schools. Baker situated education in the context of families.
Yesterday, now Governor Healey used nearly zero of her 3,259 words in her inaugural address for those same priorities. Her education remarks were tied to solving “the child care crisis,” creating free community college opportunities, more funding for public universities, and mental health services. The one point of convergence: a call to fully fund the Student Opportunity Act, signed into law by Baker in November, 2019. Healey situated education in the context of workforce development.
We all know what happened with charter school expansion and the consideration of extending receivership to Boston. But the Healey administration does seem poised to extend at least two current initiatives. Based on public remarks and the appointment of Pat Tutwiler as Secretary of Education, we can expect more work and funding for diverse education pipelines and early college.
In sum, the incoming Healey administration has been very clear in its priorities around PK-12: what happens before (early child care), outside of (wraparound), and after (early college/college affordability and access)
But what about PK-12 itself?
Governor Healey finds herself in a very similar situation to Baker in 2015. Inherited education Board members, appointed by her predecessor. Inherited Commissioner, appointed by that Board. Consistent leadership in the House and Senate, with incumbents far outnumbering freshmen. Consistent leaders of major interest groups and advocacy organizations. The vast majority of superintendents, principals, and teachers who locked up for winter break returned to school earlier this week.
Much of the Massachusetts regulatory framework remains. Standards, educator licensure and evaluation, MCAS and high school graduation requirements, etc. A significant state tool, intervening in chronically underperforming schools and districts, will be compromised for the foreseeable future. A current proposal, shared with the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on Monday, provides an extended timeline for school districts to ensure academic recovery from the pandemic. The districts reflecting the most significant learning interruptions, arguably requiring the most help and intervention, will have the most time to reset (which prompted concerns from multiple Board members).
Starting with Weld and the Education Reform Act, each sitting Massachusetts Governor of the past 30 years has signed a bill representing a significant shift in educational policy or funding in PK-12.
Healey made history with her election. What will be her administration's contribution to the future of Massachusetts schools?
Notes in the Margin
Boston School Committee met briefly this week. We officially have a returning chair, a returning member, and a calendar. Materials here.
Superintendent Skipper talks about her first 100 days. What is on the horizon for BPS this year?
Governor Healey has mentioned modernization of school buildings as a potential area of focus. Inflation and construction costs are creating major problems for major facilities projects around the Commonwealth. Something to keep in mind with Boston creating a master facilities plan in 2023 to align with the Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools.
No rest for the weary. Masks are back in many districts (including Boston), school nurses are stretched thin, and smaller towns and school districts continue to be targeted for ransomware attacks.
Massachusetts school funding has a middling rank among states.
1 million less children in public schools since 2020. Demographic trends in Massachusetts imply we are far from bottoming out - the UMass Donahue Institute projects the state’s PK-12 population will decline by ~10% by 2040.
Other Matters
NYC is trying to ban the artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT to stem cheating/machine plagiarism. History teaches us teenagers will always find a way to not read Thomas Hardy.
2023-2024 school registration has begun. Go to Boston School Finder.
