Mayor Thomas M. Menino, in a letter today, informed families of the popular John Eliot K-8 School that the City has acquired nearby North Bennet Street School buildings, allowing for expansion of the Eliot in the coming years.

“The Eliot K-8 is a true gem, which is attracting young families to Boston,” said Mayor Menino. “Parents have urged us to expand this small, successful school. Expanding the program helps us deliver on our promise to provide quality educational choices in every part of Boston and connect schools with the communities they support.”

The four buildings -- 37-39 North Bennet St. and 48-52 Tileston St. in the North End -- are just one tenth of a mile from the Eliot K-8 School. The properties will be renovated by the city and will open in the next few years.

BOSTON – Plans to convert Madison Park Technical Vocational High School to an Innovation School this fall moved forward today with a favorable vote by Madison Park teachers.

In January, Mayor Thomas M. Menino called for a major overhaul of the school to turn it into a top-notch center for career readiness and workforce development. His call came after Superintendent Carol R. Johnson commissioned a report on the school, which found it had drifted from its core mission of preparing all students for quality careers in high demand.

“With today’s vote by our dedicated teachers, Madison Park is well on its way to achieving its full potential,” said Mayor Menino. “Our collective vision for a new generation of vocational education for all our city’s residents was affirmed today and we look forward to a day when all of our students are working and thriving in growing fields across our city.”