Boston City Councilor At-Large Erin Murphy is calling on Boston Public Schools to provide families with a comprehensive plan for student placements, special education services, and the future of school buildings before moving forward with the proposed closure of Charlestown High School.
“Charlestown High is an anchor in this community,” Murphy said. “We can acknowledge declining enrollment and the difficult decisions facing the district while still insisting that students, families, and educators have a meaningful voice in what happens next.”
Murphy, a former Boston Public Schools teacher and special education coordinator, emphasized that any transition must account for the relationships, routines, and specialized supports students depend on. Repeated school changes can be especially disruptive for students with disabilities and families who have already experienced a school closure or program change.
“For these students, moving schools means much more than changing buildings,” Murphy said. “Families need to know which schools can meet their children’s needs, how required services will continue, and what protections will prevent another disruption before graduation.”
Murphy is seeking clear information about the alternatives considered, projected savings and transition costs, receiving schools’ capacity, transportation, and the future use of the Charlestown High building. She also called for a clear explanation of what “priority placement” would guarantee families.
“Families deserve to see the district’s full plan for the neighborhood’s schools, including future closures, student placements, and the use of school buildings,” Murphy said. “An available seat alone does not tell a parent whether their child will receive a better education. BPS needs to answer those questions before asking families to accept another move.”