Madison Park Technical Vocational High School teachers approve plan to transform school through Innovation status

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.”

“Our teachers are excited to help turn Madison Park into a 21st century learning environment that prepares students to take advantage of real-world career opportunities,” said Superintendent Johnson. “We are fortunate to have teachers who embrace innovation and recognize the importance of integrating academic and vocational learning. We have lots of work to do and must make many changes. We are grateful to them and to the many community partners who have already come forward to offer internships, training, equipment and funding to turn this school into a center of excellence.”

Last year, just 11 Madison Park Technical Vocational students were involved in a work-based cooperative, and student attendance has been significantly lower than the district average. The BPS innovation plan calls for a longer school day and includes out-of-school learning time for students; stronger partnerships and internship opportunities; and increased outreach and admissions protocols that introduce middle school students to the many career pathways offered at Madison Park.

The plan will now be presented to the Boston School Committee, which is expected to vote on the proposal after a public hearing.