On April 16, 2025, the Boston School Committee voted unanimously to approve a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), allowing the district to continue to build and deliver on the promise of a High-Quality Student Experience for every student in Boston.
BOSTON – April 16, 2025 – The Boston School Committee voted unanimously to approve a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), which prioritizes the learning needs of our students with disabilities through Inclusive Education and increased salaries for the district’s lowest-paid workers. The contract will allow the district to continue to build and deliver on the promise of a High-Quality Student Experience for every student in Boston.
“As a BPS mom, I am especially grateful for our educators and the hard work and love they pour into serving our students every day,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This contract affirms our shared commitment to strengthening teaching and learning, supporting our educators, and building a bright future for every BPS student. Thank you to the Boston Teachers Union and all our BPS educators for your unwavering commitment to our school communities.”
“With this agreement, we are making a significant investment across our staff, who show up every day to teach, guide, and support our more than 48,000 students,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “Our educators and support staff are the foundation of the high-quality student experience and we must continue to recruit and retain highly skilled, diverse, and passionate individuals to deliver on that promise. I also want to thank BPS staff and our partners at the BTU for their collaboration, long hours, and dedication to reaching this important milestone together."
“The new contract raises wages for our lowest wage workers, makes progress toward supporting our students with disabilities, invests in more professional development for staff to strengthen their skills, and identifies several operational efficiencies to streamline service delivery for our students and families,” said School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson. “By investing in our workforce, the district is demonstrating its commitment to supporting our highest needs students, especially those with disabilities. This agreement ensures that BPS students are being supported by highly-trained professional staff who are prepared to meet their needs and long term learning goals.”
For more than a year, the City of Boston, Boston Public Schools (BPS), and the BTU engaged in a robust and productive process to negotiate a new contract. This is the second consecutive agreement that makes significant progress in supporting students with disabilities and takes a different and more equitable approach from previous years so that all members see wage increases, but lowest wage workers see higher wage increases. The contract also includes several operational efficiencies that streamline and improve services for staff, students, and families.
The contract will be in effect through August 2027 and provide significant benefits including:
The agreement also expands community hub schools, provides housing voucher information at all welcome centers for families, and makes it easier for the district to
hire school nurses with additional credits for prior experience in professional settings, such as hospitals.
On April 16, 2025, the Boston School Committee voted unanimously to approve a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), allowing the district to continue to build and deliver on the promise of a High-Quality Student Experience for every student in Boston.
Local poet and BPS librarian to lead public poetry programs citywide, championing literary arts and youth engagement across Boston as fourth Poet Laureate.
BOSTON, MA - Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture announced that Ghanaian American poet, editor, and educator Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah will serve as Boston’s next Poet Laureate. Oppong-Yeboah will officially assume the role in July 2025 and serve until July 2029. Established in 2008, the Boston Poet Laureate Program has been a cornerstone of Boston’s creative sector, drawing residents into the rich and transformative world of the literary arts. It is a ceremonial appointment with a term of four years.
“I'm honored to announce Emmanuel as Boston’s next Poet Laureate. Their voice, vision, and deep commitment to community will inspire and amplify our city’s voices over the next four years,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “In a time where we need to challenge, uplift, and connect, I'm proud to know that Emmanuel will carry out this role with care for our communities.”
“I am very excited to serve the City of Boston in this role,” said Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah. “In so much of life I feel a profound sense of indebtedness to those who have done the work before me. No less so here. Boston's two most recent poet laureates, Porsha Olayiwola and Danielle Georges, have created so much space in this city for the flourishing of poetry and poets, and I am grateful to them and eager to expand on their work.”’
Oppong-Yeboah grew up in Boston and holds the city close to their heart. They are currently a BPS educator working as a school librarian at the Joseph Lee School in Dorchester. For six years, they taught 11th grade English at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, and prior to that served as a teaching artist for 10 years at organizations throughout Boston, including the Massachusetts Literary Education and Performance Collective, the Cambridge Arts Council, Northeastern University, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston. Emmanuel’s poem, “kra-din” (Kweli Journal), is a past recipient of the Pushcart Prize (XLIII).
“We are thrilled that Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah, a beloved member of our BPS community, has been named Boston’s next Poet Laureate,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “As a school librarian at the Lee K-8 School, Emmanuel nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for words in our students every day. Their passion for poetry and education exemplifies the transformative power of the arts in young people’s lives. We are proud to see a BPS educator in this role and excited for the inspiration they will spark across our city.”
Oppong-Yeboah will be Boston’s fourth poet laureate, following Porsha Olayiwola, Danielle Legros Georges, and Sam Cornish, all of whom helped elevate the city’s poetry scene. Oppong-Yeboah is committed to expanding on their legacies by fostering new opportunities for poets of all ages to thrive.
For Oppong-Yeboah, working with young people in the city where they were raised is especially meaningful and a source of personal joy. They hope to use this role to bring people together to build connections and provide resources to support poets and the organizations that make space for them.
They plan to work with the Boston Youth Poet Laureate on initiatives that activate the youth poetry scene in Boston; transform community spaces in Boston Public Libraries to host all-ages open-mics and draw engagement from BPS school communities nearby these library sites; partner with Boston’s School Libraries to connect Boston-area students to living poets; and host a contest that invites local poets to engage in writing based on Boston Public Library’s archives.
Applications for the role were reviewed by a Selection Panel consisting of a distinguished group of local literary professionals. The Selection Panel evaluated all entries and held interviews with the final candidates.
“The Selection Committee was impressed by both Emmanuel’s creative work, but equally his balanced thoughtful intentionality; he will bring to this role a deep appreciation of community engagement; and his skills and connections as an educator; and a passion for mentoring our young people in their creative endeavors,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library.
Oppong-Yeboah’s upcoming events include co-leading an open mic and poetry slam on April 18 and May 2 with poet Crystal Valentine at Just Book-ish in Fields Corner, Dorchester (1st and 3rd Friday of every month). Additionally, they will be doing a feature performance on Wednesday, April 23, at the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, home of the Boston Poetry Slam.
To learn more about the Boston Poet Laureate Program, visit www.boston.gov/poetry.
The Boston Red Sox, in partnership with JetBlue, distributed over 40,000 Red Sox hats to Boston Public Schools (BPS) students and staff at 104 K-8 schools across the city. The 2025 hat giveaway launched with an event at Gardner Pilot Academy in Allston. The hat giveaway to BPS students began in 2017 to connect baseball to the next generation of fans.
BOSTON, MA – April 7, 2025 - The Boston Red Sox, in partnership with JetBlue, distributed over 40,000 Red Sox hats to Boston Public Schools (BPS) students and staff at 104 K-8 schools across the city. This year’s hat giveaway launched with an event at Gardner Pilot Academy in Allston that included City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy, Red Sox Partner and Foundation Board Member Linda Henry, and JetBlue Director of Airport Operations Dan Blake. The hat giveaway to Boston Public Schools students began in 2017 in partnership with JetBlue, the official airline of the Boston Red Sox, to connect baseball to the next generation of fans.
“Hat Day has grown into something special,” said Sam Kennedy, Red Sox President & CEO. “What started as a simple idea – getting a Red Sox hat on every kid in the city – has turned into one of our favorite traditions. It’s a day that brings smiles, pride, and a little extra joy to schools across Boston. We’re so lucky to have a partner like JetBlue that shares our commitment to this community. And we’re especially thankful to Mayor Wu – her support and focus on young people have helped make this day what it is. There’s nothing better than giving kids a reason to feel connected to their city and their team.”
“The energy around Hat Day is electric – it brings joy, pride, and reinforces a sense of unity within our schools across BPS,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “When our students put on these hats, they’re not just wearing Red Sox colors—they’re wearing a symbol of community and connection. All of us at BPS appreciate the Red Sox and JetBlue for their continued commitment to supporting our students and staff, not just today, but all year long.”
The club also filled Gardner Pilot Academy’s Catie’s Closet with hundreds of articles of Red Sox apparel. Catie’s Closet is a nonprofit providing access to clothing and basic necessities for students to discreetly shop, free of charge. The organization operates at various schools throughout the city and region.
April is National School Library Month!
In celebration, Boston Public Schools is highlighting a few great school libraries across the District.
Boston Public Schools (BPS) recognizes the essential role school libraries and librarians play in empowering students with knowledge, fostering their love of reading, and supporting their academic success. School-library programs provide equitable access to resources, technology, information – literacy skills that prepare students for lifelong learning.
In celebration of School Library Month, BPS is highlighting a few great school libraries across the District. Be sure to check back here every Tuesday in April for photos and information about a great school library!
The Charlestown High School Library is a welcoming hub where students come to read, explore, create, and connect. From book tastings that spark curiosity to collaborative projects with teachers that deepen learning, the Charlestown High School librarian aims to foster a joyful reading culture and a strong sense of community.
One recent moment stands out: A student proudly shared that he had just finished his first book ever and he genuinely loved it. He talked with the librarian about the cliffhanger ending and his favorite parts, and he told them he wants to read more books in verse. He left that day with “The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander in hand and a new sense of excitement about reading. Moments that serve as a reminder about why this work matters so much.
Office of Specialized Services
Topic: 2025 Autism Acceptance: Spectrum of Possibilities
April 15, 2025 | 11 AM-1 PM (in-person)
Flyers: English | Español | عربى | Kabuverdianu | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl | Português | Afsoomaali | Tiếng Việt
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, join us to explore community services, connect with organizations, and participate in engaging activities.
Event Details
Bruce Bolling Building
School Committee Room, 2nd Floor
2300 Washington Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
A light lunch will be provided!
Interpretation will be available in Amharic, ASL, Cabo Verdean Creole, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Questions? Email: specialeducation@bostonpublicschools.org
Boston Special Education Advisory Council (SpEdPAC)
Topic: Autism Supports & Services
April 17, 2025 | 7-8:30 PM (Zoom)
Flyers: English | Español | عربى | Kabuverdianu | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl | Português | Afsoomaali | Tiếng Việt
The Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC), for parents and guardians of students with disabilities in the Boston Public Schools, is inviting families to its April meeting, which will focus on autism supports and services. Presentations will include the following topics:
Zoom Details
Interpretation will be available in Amharic, ASL, Cabo Verdean Creole, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Questions? Email: email@bostonspedpac.org
Sesión informativa sobre empleos para los jóvenes en verano (Youth Summer Employment Information Session)
28 de abril, 2025 (4/28/2025) | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Zoom)
Enlace de inscription: tinyurl.com/empleosverano2025
Directora de Orientación de BPS (BPS Director of Guidance) – Catherine Chiu, cchiu@bostonpublicschools.org
Coordinadora de Educación Familiar de BPS (BPS Family Education Coordinator) – Yen Chun Liu, yliu@bostonpublicschools.org
Office of Multicultural & Multilingual Education (OMME)
DELAC Conference
May 2, 2025 | 4-8:30 PM (in person)
Flyers: English | Español | عربى | Kabuverdianu | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl | Português | Afsoomaali | Tiếng Việt
BPS' Office of Multicultural & Multilingual Education (OMME) invites all multilingual families and community partners to our District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) Conference.
During the conference, we will provide the following:
Please note that we will provide dinner and child care. Interpreters will be available in the BPS's nine major languages.
We look forward to your participation and support!
For more information, please contact us at ellparentteam@bostonpublicschools.org
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Move & Groove Festival
May 3, 2025 | 12-4 PM (in person)
Flyers: English | Español | عربى | Kabuverdianu | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl | Português | Afsoomaali | Tiếng Việt
BPS' Move & Groove Festival is a partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Melnea A. Cass Recreational Complex in Roxbury, MA. It will showcase organizations that are actively enrolling youth in their programs and providing vital resources to children across Boston. The festival will offer an engaging experience for youth attendees, with a variety of interactive activities and demonstrations from local community organizations, covering sports, arts, and STEM. Additionally, families can enjoy youth-led performances and media stations.
Featuring:
Questions? Email: communityengagement@bostonpublicschools.org
![Announcement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1735767857/bostonpublicschoolsorg/oj9h4hkmuefug7wikqdw/Post-Announcements.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1735767857/bostonpublicschoolsorg/oj9h4hkmuefug7wikqdw/Post-Announcements.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1735767857/bostonpublicschoolsorg/oj9h4hkmuefug7wikqdw/Post-Announcements.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1735767857/bostonpublicschoolsorg/oj9h4hkmuefug7wikqdw/Post-Announcements.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1735767857/bostonpublicschoolsorg/oj9h4hkmuefug7wikqdw/Post-Announcements.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1735767857/bostonpublicschoolsorg/oj9h4hkmuefug7wikqdw/Post-Announcements.png","width":1920}])
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