School Committee — May 6, 2026

Chair Robinson and committee members presented citations to graduating BSAC seniors recognizing their leadership and advocacy; seniors shared post-graduation plans including college attendance at Northeastern, Simmons, Bentley, Bunker Hill, BU, and Mass School for Nursing.

Committee held required annual hearing on whether to admit non-residents for SY -1; no public speakers testified; motion to adjourn hearing passed.

Committee approved minutes from the April 15 meeting by unanimous consent with no objections.

Superintendent Skipper reported on transportation on-time performance (April OTP at record highs of 94% AM/89% PM), increased FAFSA completion (53% of seniors, up 11 points), cell phone policy development, school visits, EdVestors showcase, It's My Night prom event, student awards, and pre-K programming; committee received the report.

BSAC student representative Mahur Noir and Director Denise Rory presented on youth-led PDs, middle school outreach, advocacy on strategic plan/AI policy/budget, and funding concerns for paid student positions; members discussed representation, storytelling, school closures, and future career pathways.

BSAC students discussed professional development on post-graduation options, emphasizing need for more exposure to trade schools, cosmetology, and alternatives to college due to low GPAs limiting options and high FAFSA reliance.

11 speakers addressed topics including achievement gap policy alignment, JFK Elementary schoolyard safety and geothermal project impacts, AI use by teachers for assignments/grading, family engagement supports, and SPEDPAC collaboration.

Three grants totaling $1,455,426 discussed: MA electric vehicle rebate ($1.1M for buses), Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools ($150K), and Kendall Foundation farm-to-school ($150K).

Superintendent recommended continued non-participation in inter-district school choice for SY 1999 to prioritize Boston residents; alternative CBA approaches for staff children discussed for future exploration.

Request for $22.8M from City Council to cover health insurance and utilities overages in $28M projected deficit; remaining gap addressed via spending controls and grants.

Annual request to authorize interim payments on projected FY27 grants (e.g., Title I ~$40M, circuit breaker) while awaiting formal awards; allows hiring and contracting to proceed without delay.

Presentation of charter renewal request including accountability plan, MOA with Boston Plan for Excellence, and revised expulsion policy; school reports progress from tier 4 to tier 2 and literacy gains.

Draft AI policy grounded in human-centric values, privacy, equity, and literacy; includes guidelines, prohibited uses, family engagement, and regular review; shaped by 500+ community participants. Extensive Q&A covered biases in tools, preserving human connections, equity/access, staff training, metrics, implementation, and distinction between policy and guidelines.

Speaker De Manning raised concerns about lack of student outcome data post-admission changes, tier-based seat allocation suppressing enrollment for tier 3/4 students, GPA conversion for non-BPS applicants, and inequitable access for students in certain Dorchester neighborhoods.

Shout-out to Kenny Elementary for inclusion work; discussion of hiring process challenges for displaced/certified staff and request for Chief Ky update; request for memo on student assignment outcomes and timelines.