Education
School budget increase means more teachers, counselors, staff
New interim superintendent says money slated for new school staff includes more nurses, paraprofessionals and counselors, in addition to more teachers. O’Leary: New Bedford poised for “stability” after tumultuous years of pandemic disruption and an even longer history of underfunding.
New Bedford schools focus on attendance after graduation rate dips in 2022
The four-year graduation rate for New Bedford has slipped back to 75%, its lowest since before the pandemic and a major step back for all the gains of the last five years.
The Light on Radio: Jack Spillane weighs in on Mayor Jon Mitchell’s State of the City speech
Mayor Jon Mitchell’s State of the City speech was the first topic as New Bedford Light columnist Jack Spillane joined Jim Phillips on WBSM’s Townsquare Sunday.
New Bedford school paraprofessionals get new contract
“This is a step heading in the right direction,” said Jill Zangao, president of the paraprofessional’s union. “It feels like a huge weight off, and without negotiations I’m excited to focus on teaching.”
Video: Voc-Tech education justice group joins The Chat
Members of the Vocational Education Justice Coalition talk about their concerns that school admissions policies still prevent access to vocational education for many students in New Bedford.
School Committee names O’Leary as interim superintendent
Mayor Jon Mitchell congratulated Andrew O’Leary and said the district is poised for a smooth transition, as current Superintendent Thomas Anderson and O’Leary will overlap for several months before the official handoff.
The Light on Radio: Colin Hogan discusses the battle over book bans on the South Coast on GBH News
Education reporter Colin Hogan joined Adam Reilly on Talking Politics on GBH News, along with political scientist Shannon Jenkins of UMass Dartmouth, to discuss why book bans have become a political flashpoint on the South Coast, including recent efforts at Old Rochester Regional and Dartmouth High.
Candidates stressing diversity and inclusion prevail in Dartmouth school races
Wedge issues like removing books from libraries have driven much of the debate in local school committee races, but none of the candidates supporting culture clash issues were elected to office.
The Light on Radio: Jack Spillane discusses deadly boarding house fire, vocational admissions and city council
Jack Spillane joins Jim Phillips on WBSM’s Town Square Sunday to discuss a recent deadly fire at a boarding house on Acushnet Avenue. They also delve into the future of GNB Voc-Tech’s admission process, whether the city needs a third high school, and the city council’s three non-binding ballot questions.
Book banning debates grip South Coast school elections
After years of grassroots conservative organizing, some South Coast school board elections are dealing with debates about “politicized” curriculum.
New Bedford to begin search for new school chief after Anderson’s surprise exit
“It’s kind of late in the game, because most hiring for superintendents occurs now, it doesn’t begin now. Top-notch superintendents have already been offered positions.” — School Committee member Chris Cotter
New Bedford High responds to demand for vocational education
“We are filling a need for additional career and technical programs, as is the case statewide and nationwide.” — Chris Cummings, who oversees New Bedford High School’s career and vocational/technical education.
Businesses cite shortage of skilled workers from GNB Voc-Tech
“They don’t spend enough time on trades … Many are focused on going to college.” — Pinto’s Garage & Auto Body owner Gus Pinto
Inside the Global Learning school’s new ‘STEAM’ center
The former convent’s $8 million rebirth now features laboratories, classrooms, and faculty and student gathering spaces for “STEAM education,” which the school says stands for science, technology, engineering, art and music — though math classrooms are also included.
New Bedford makes another pitch for new elementary school
“We have made the modernization of New Bedford school facilities a high priority. … We want to make sure future generations of students have a school that meets their needs.” — Mayor Jon Mitchell
Inside the student protest against Shawn Oliver and his Facebook posts
Among the students who were protesting the new Ward 3 city councilor, many identified as LGBTQ, but a large number said they were allies supporting their friends and classmates.
Anderson staying put as superintendent; Newton chooses Natick chief
Newton’s decision came in a special session of its School Committee one day after Anderson toured the high-achieving, suburban district, including meeting with faculty and staff, observing classes, answering questions from the public, and presenting a 90-day “transition plan.”
New Bedford school chief one of two finalists for Newton superintendent
Thomas Anderson remains under contract with New Bedford Public Schools, where he currently makes $215,000 per year, but School Committee members have indicated they would let Anderson out of his contract, and expect that he would take the Newton job.
Video: Chancellor Mark Fuller talks about the next chapter for UMass Dartmouth
At the start of his second full year as chancellor of UMass Dartmouth, Mark Fuller has some big challenges in front of him. Among his tasks are to turn around declining enrollment and retention numbers.
Vocational school admissions targeted in federal civil rights complaint
At GNB VocTech, like other state vocational schools, there are wide disparities in the number of students of color, English Language Learners, and students with disabilities who applied and were accepted, sparking a call for investigation.
Support for the light is provided by:
Sign up for our free newsletter
Receive in-depth news stories and arts & culture coverage from around New Bedford in your inbox every weekday.
Thank you to our sponsors
Founding benefactors: Joan and Irwin Jacobs fund of the Jewish Community Foundation, Mary and Jim Ottaway
Learn more about our community of individual donors
For questions about donations, contact Chrystal Walsh, director of advancement, at cwalsh@newbedfordlight.org.
For questions about sponsoring The Light, contact Peter Andrews, director of business development and community engagement, at pandrews@newbedfordlight.org.