The first day of school that wasn't.
Today should be the first day of school for tens of thousands of Boston’s children.
Today, there should be fresh haircuts, new sneakers, sharp pencils, and pictures with families as children head out for a new year.
Instead, most of Boston’s classrooms are silent and empty.
Today, most Boston families don’t know what actual day their child may attend school again. They do not have clear remote learning expectations or schedules. They don’t know when or how their high needs children will receive services. And, they are on their own — there is no final plan for transportation or a citywide system for emergency child care.
We are failing our children and families. Children will learn and grow less. Families cannot work. Leaders have not only failed to contain the virus, but despite a 177-day lead, they have failed to plan and act for this day.
We will always work directly with and support school communities and families — that is our core, our mission.
Boston Schools Fund (BSF) is proud of the work we have accomplished since 2015: Supporting 7,100 more children to attend high-quality schools. Supporting over 30,000 Boston families find a best-fit school for their children through Boston School Finder. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But we can longer pursue our mission without addressing the inequitable and ineffective systems and structures that surround *all* of our schools, laid all the more bare by the pandemic.
Based on our years of experience and listening to educators, families, and children, BSF is publicly committing to a statement of beliefs to guide our work for our next five years.
In lifting up voices and ideas, such as supporting spaces for Boston families and supporting equity and quality in remote learning, we seek what is possible in education in Boston, and what must be done to advance equitable opportunity and access. This work has never been more urgent or consequential than in the 2020-2021 school-year.
Learn more at our updated website.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Will Austin,
Chief Executive Officer
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