Fwd: Shaw-Taylor November Community Meeting Follow Up

[Deb Shea]

Thanks for sharing the merger update, Nicol. Here's the update from Shaw/Taylor. I've been really pushing the district to increase and improve communication to school communities about these changes. I'd love to hear anyone's ideas for making sure information is getting to all families, especially those who are unable to attend SPC/SSC meetings for whatever reason. 

Always,

Deb Shea 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: BPS Capital Planning <capital...@bostonpublicschools.org>
Date: Thu, Nov 9, 2023, 5:00 PM
Subject: Shaw-Taylor November Community Meeting Follow Up
To: <dwor...@gmail.com>

Office of Capital Planning Delavern Stanislaus, Chief of Capital Planning Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building 2300 Washington Street, 5th Floor                                   capital...@bostonpublicschools.org   Roxbury, Massachusetts 02119                                        www.bostonpublicschools.org

Dear Shaw and Taylor School Communities, 

On Thursday, November 2nd, 2023, the Boston Public Schools Capital Planning Division hosted a community meeting to update the Shaw and Taylor communities on where we are as a district in the merger implementation process. The presentation and video from last Thursday’s community meeting are on the City of Boston website. Translations are in progress.

Both the Shaw and Taylor leadership teams and staff are working collaboratively on establishing a vibrant learning environment for students and a welcoming atmosphere for parents during this transitional period. Last spring, the School Committee voted to join the Shaw and Taylor communities. We will continue collaborating with BPS Central Office teams, and the Mayor’s Office to facilitate a smooth and successful merger.

Key Points Discussed at the Meeting:

Configuration: After walking through both buildings and assessing programmatic needs, the decision was made to have the Shaw house grades K-1 and the Taylor grades 2-6. This will result in students and staff transitioning between buildings next year. The district is actively coordinating logistics with school teams to support staff and families during this transition.

Leadership: Principal Jennifer Marks and Tinu Arowosegbe will continue as co-leaders of the established learning community to ensure stability for academic progress.

New Building: The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has completed its preliminary assessment of BPS’s application for a new, state-funded facility for this community. We are awaiting the MSBA’s final decision. Regardless, the City of Boston has committed $50 million to support the identification of space and construction of a new K-6 school in Southern Dorchester. We will provide updates on the application's progress.

BPS Facilities: BPS Facilities and Capital Planning Team have conducted site visits to assess furniture needs and identify necessary repairs for the 2024-2025 school year. The Shaw school building will add 1 classroom for school year 24/25 and both the Shaw and Taylor will receive additional updates, including painting, bathroom fixes, and other previously determined work. New furniture for staff lounges and offices is in the process of delivery.

To maintain transparency and collaboration, internal workgroups have been formed:

Operational Workgroup: Oversees budget management, staffing decisions, and facilities upkeep.
Academic Workgroup: Ensures the alignment of curriculum materials, instructional focus, and professional development for the upcoming school year.

Additionally, we invite parents and community members to join the following workgroups:

Community/Identity Building Workgroup: Focuses on creating a shared community identity and supporting student transitions,  including the renaming of the new school community. The first meeting is scheduled for November 27th at 5:30 PM.
Assets/Resources: The Capital Planning team, in collaboration with the BPS Hub Schools Initiative, seeks to identify assets and resources through a data-driven process. This workgroup will focus on community needs to achieve the high-quality educational experience envisioned by this merger.

To stay engaged, connect with your school representatives and be on the lookout for announcements through school newsletters and communication platforms. We are eager to continue working with staff, parents, and stakeholders as we navigate this journey together.

Sincerely,

Delavern Stanislaus
Chief of Capital Planning
Boston Public Schools

Boston Public Schools Mary Skipper, Superintendent

Boston School Committee Jeri Robinson, Chair

City of Boston Michelle Wu, Mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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