The Superintendent’s evaluation is a highly anticipated event, as it sets the tone for leadership and district goals. The last set of goals was established before Superintendent Skipper took office, making this upcoming evaluation particularly noteworthy. The process involves a review of Skipper’s performance across multiple standards such as instructional leadership and family engagement. Dr. Stephen Alkins and Vice Chair Michael O’Neill lead the evaluation process, with the support of Rebecca Granger, senior advisor to the Mayor in schools. The committee members will receive individual evaluation forms to provide their assessments, which will be compiled into a collective report. The final vote on the Superintendent’s evaluation is scheduled for the August 28 meeting.

Transportation was another topic, capturing the committee’s attention. The introduction of a new software system for transportation, aimed at improving efficiency and timeliness of school buses, was discussed. The system, replacing paper directions with GPS navigation, expects to provide better tracking of ridership and reduce bus delays. Approximately 2,500 students are opting for transportation benefits, with 250 participating in the Exam School Initiative, highlighting the district’s focus on accessibility and equitable opportunities for students.

The meeting also shone a light on the “Best Summer Ever” program, which provided educational and recreational activities to over 14,000 students. Notably, the program included special considerations for multilingual learners, registering over 2,000 participants. The program’s success was attributed to a blend of summer learning academies, high school credit recovery programs, and recreational activities, along with the Boston Summer Eats initiative that offered free meals to youth throughout the city.

Furthermore, the committee discussed various student support initiatives, emphasizing their positive impact on graduation rates. These initiatives included credit recovery programs and the yellow t-shirt program for kindergarten readiness. The committee also acknowledged the importance of comprehensive solutions to improve cooling and ventilation in school buildings, rather than relying on temporary measures.

In terms of student achievements, the committee celebrated the English High School Baseball team for their victory as the 2024 Division five state champions. Additionally, they praised the experiences of students from the Boston International Newcomers Academy who embarked on a two-week sailing journey and those from the Boston Day Evening Academy who participated in construction-related internships.

The Office of Health and Wellness received commendation for organizing pop-up events aimed at promoting student and family health during the summer. Around fifty students from various high schools also participated in peer mediation training.

Facility improvements were also a topic of conversation, with updates on ongoing projects such as minor repairs and infrastructural enhancements at the Blackstone Elementary School. The committee discussed the allocation of funds for long-term planning of the school’s improvements and addressed the needs of the Ruth Batson Academy, including the installation of lockers and lighting improvements.

Curriculum standards took center stage as the committee examined the selection of high-quality instructional materials, with a focus on alignment with standards and cultural responsiveness. Concerns were raised about schools opting for their own curricula, highlighting the need for continued support and monitoring to ensure consistent implementation across the district.

Speakers addressed a range of concerns, from the assignment of multilingual students to the inequities in the exam school policy. Literacy gaps, staffing issues, and the handling of racial equity initiatives were also topics of concern, alongside the need for a transparent and accountable evaluation process for the superintendent.

Finally, the committee approved grants totaling over three million dollars, supporting adult literacy, school health initiatives, and academic acceleration academies. These grants underscored the district’s dedication to bolstering educational support and resources for students, staff, and the broader community.