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 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.

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.

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

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.”


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