BCEE calls on School Committee to approve the “100 percent” admissions policy for Boston Exam Schools advocates for All-Elected School Committee

BCEE calls on the School Committee to vote to approve the Exam School Task Force’s 100 PERCENT admissions policy WITHOUT DELAY and to move forcefully to provide all BPS students an education that’s AS  HIGH-QUALITY as that offered by the three exam schools.

We applaud School Committee Chair Robinson---for putting the 100 percent proposal back on the table after a maneuver by some city councilors almost derailed it—and applaud Superintendent Cassellius for recommending the 100% plan tonight.

The 100 percent policy assigns seats through a competition that’s fairer than in the past,  because students will compete against peers who are in roughly comparable socio-economic circumstances.

But we want to urge the School Committee to consider including the proposed tier for students experiencing homelessness, living in BHA housing, or in the care of DCF. The addition of this tier would be life-changing for those students in our community who are facing the greatest challenges.

Over the past few weeks, strong community support has been demonstrated for the 100 percent plan, a recommendation that was the result of nearly five months of study, debate, and vigorous public comment. 

If successful, tonight’s vote will represent a historic step forward for equity in Boston’s Exam Schools. A step that was in large part driven by individual activists and organizations coming together over many years from across the city: citizens young and old,     Black, White, LatinX, and Asian     from every neighborhood in Boston.

The sustained, active debate over this issue proves the case for an ALL-ELECTED School Committee. Boston residents care about their schools. They want and deserve a voice in school policy. With an appointed School Committee, all we can do is “comment,” as so many of us are doing here today. We can not hold you accountable. We can only hope that you do the right thing. 

The next big reform for Boston Public Schools MUST be an elected School Committee. 

If you’re interested in advocating for democracy with us: Visit our website at BosEdEquity.org and CLICK JOIN US to sign up for our mailing list.