Police: Boston Schools Received Suspicious Letters
Boston Police are investigating several suspicious letters sent to different Boston Public Schools today, according to a statement from police. The letters contained “threatening and disturbing” content, said police, but contained no dangerous subtances. Police said the letters were addressed to public schools in different areas of the city and were all postmarked from Texas. Police did not specify which schools received the letters. “Boston Police are collecting the letters and will investigate the source,” police said. “We do not know of any credible threat to our schools.” Police said that school officials will continue to isolate any letters with a Texas address, and that police will increase their presence at schools in the following days and weeks. “While we remain vigilant and are taking appropriate action, we reiterate there is no credible physical threat and the letters did not contain any substances,” police said in the statement. “The safety of our students and school personnel is our top priority.” All families with children enrolled in Boston Public Schools have been contacted through its automated phone message system. You can read the statement in its entirety here. South End Patch
Leder v. Superintendent of Schools of Concord & Concord-Carlyle Regional School District, et al. (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-095-13)
NOTICE: All slip opinions and orders are subject to formal revision and are superseded by the advance sheets and bound volumes of the Official Reports. If you find a typographical error or other formal error, please notify the Reporter of Decisions, Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, 1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500, Boston, MA 02108-1750; (617) 557-1030; SJCReporter@sjc.state.ma.us SJC‑11224 PAUL LEDER[1] vs. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS OF CONCORD & CONCORD-CARLYLE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT & others.[2] Middlesex. February 7, 2013. ‑ May 31, 2013. Present: Ireland, C.J., Spina, Cordy, Botsford, Gants, Duffly, & Lenk, JJ. School and School District. School and School Committee, Superintendent of schools, Regional school district. Municipal Corporations, Contracts. Contract, Bidding for contract, Regional school district. Injunction. Practice, Civil, Preliminary injunction. State Ethics Commission. Conflict of Interest. Civil action commenced in the Superior Court Department on August 15, 2011. A motion for preliminary injunctive relief was heard by Garry V. Inge, J. A petition for interlocutory review was heard in the Appeals Court by Elspeth B. Cypher, J. The Supreme Judicial Court on its own initiative transferred the case from the Appeals Court. Kwabena B. Abboa-Offei for the plaintiff. Adam Simms for the defendants. Andrew P. Botti & David K. Moynihan, for David K. Moynihan & another, amici curiae, submitted a brief. Martha Coakley, Attorney General, & Deirdre Roney, Special Assistant Attorney General, for State Ethics Commission, amicus curiae, submitted a brief. GANTS, J. The issue on appeal is whether, under G. L. c. 268A, § 21 (a), as appearing in by St. 2009, c. 28, § 80, a party may obtain declaratory or injunctive relief rescinding an action taken by a municipal agency based on an alleged violation of G. L. c. 268A, § 23, where the State Ethics Commission (commission) has made no finding of a violation and where the municipal agency has not requested this relief. We conclude that a finding of a violation of § 23 by the commission after an adjudicatory proceeding and a request for rescission by the municipal agency are both prerequisites to the filing of a complaint seeking rescission under G. L. c. 268A, § 21 (a). Because neither prerequisite has been met in this case, we affirm the denial of the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction and remand the case to the Superior Court with instructions to dismiss the complaint.[3] Background. The facts are not materially in dispute. The plaintiff, Paul Leder, doing business as Spencer Brook Strings (SBS), operates a musical instrument sale and rental business that rents string instruments to students in various school districts throughout Massachusetts, including the Concord public schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District (collectively, school district). Since […]
Boston Schools Superintendent Shares Tips for Talking with Kids about Marathon Bombing
In the aftermath of Monday’s Boston Marathon bombing, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson sent a letter to staff and families of students titled, “Talking with Children about Tragedies,” that was shared via the Warren-Prescott School newsletter on Tuesday morning. In the newsletter, Warren-Prescott Principal Michele Davis wrote: “Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by yesterday’s events. Our own Melissa Shea ran the Boston Marathon yesterday and her family was among the spectators. I am relieved to report that Melissa and her family are safe.” Davis asked that anyone with information about other Warren-Prescott families that may have been affected by the bombing to contact her at mdavis@boston.k12.ma.us. Boston Public Schools are closed this week for April Vacation. Below is Johnson’s letter: —– Dear BPS families and friends, We hope you and your family are safe tonight. We wish to express our deep gratitude to the first responders, public safety personnel and everyday citizens who stepped in to help today at the Boston Marathon. Many of you have questions about how to talk to your children about today’s events. Below, please find resources from the National Association of School Psychologists, which has prepared tip sheets for parents and teachers to help children, teenagers and adults cope with tragic situations. Among their professional advice (from the NASP website): Remain calm and reassuring. Children will take their cues from you, especially young children. Acknowledge that the threats and uncertainty are unnerving but the likelihood is that you and your children or students will be okay. There is a difference between the possibility of danger and the probability of it affecting them personally. Acknowledge and normalize their feelings. Allow children to discuss their feelings and concerns and encourage any questions they may have regarding this event. Listen and empathize. An empathetic listener is very important. Let them know that others are feeling the same way and that their reactions are normal and expected. Take care of your own needs. Take time for yourself and try to deal with your own reactions to the situation as fully as possible. You will be better able to help your children if you are coping well. If you are anxious or upset, your children are more likely to be so as well. Talk to other adults such as family, friends, faith leaders, or a counselor. It is important not to dwell on your fears by yourself. Sharing feelings with others often makes us feel more connected and secure. Take care of your physical health. Make time, however small, to do things you enjoy. Turn off or monitor the television. It is important to stay […]
South End Answers: When’s the Last Day of School for Boston Public Schools?
Welcome to “You Ask, Patch Answers,” a new feature where we find the answers to your questions. This week, we tackled the question, “When’s the last day of school for Boston Public Schools students??” According to the most recent snow days through March 21st, the last day of school for Boston Public Schools students will be held on June 28th. Any further snow days will continue to push school back a day. Got a question about the neighborhood you want answered? Submit it in the comments below. Each week South End Patch will pick a question to research and answer the following week. Add your question today! SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Boston Public Schools Closed Tuesday
Spring arrives later this week, but one last winter storm has forced Boston schools closed on Tuesday. “The latest forecasts show Boston could see 8 inches of snowfall with the expectation for freezing rain, ice, and sleet throughout the morning’s commute. Residents and commuters should expect very slow traffic as the City’s plowing operations continue throughout Tuesday morning. For commuters coming into Boston tomorrow, public transportation will be the best route,” wrote the Mayor’s office in a Monday night press release. While schools are closed, Boston’s Youth and Families Centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. A parent or guardian of kids 12 and under must sign a short form before dropping their child off. “Residents with weather-related questions or concerns should call the Mayor’s 24-Hour Hotline at 617-635-4500, or contact us via Twitter using @NotifyBoston. Residents should also visitwww.cityofboston.gov/snow for latest updates and to submit requests and find information online,” read the statement. South End Patch
Boston Schools Get New Student Assignment Policy
The Boston School Committee adopted a new assignment policy that does away with a decades-old system at a landmark Wednesday night vote. The new policy will use a computer-generated algorithm to produce a list of six schools for parents to choose from based on distance to school, capacity and MCAS test scores, according to Boston.com. Four of the six schools listed will be of “medium to high quality,” Boston.com reports. The system will be implemented beginning September 2014. “Tonight’s historic vote marks a new day for every child in the City of Boston,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “A more predictable and equitable student assignment system that emphasizes quality and keeps our children close to home has been a long time coming for our city. Boston Public Schools have never been stronger – and now is the time to ensure our student assignment process reflects the great progress we’ve made.” Since 1989, Boston parents had about 24 schools to choose from within three large assignment zones. The School Committee voted 6 to 1 in favor of the new policy. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Connolly: Would Look to Preserve South End Character, Improve Schools
At-Large Boston City Councilor John Connolly announced on Tueday morning he will run for mayor of Boston this year, regardless of whether or not current Mayor Thomas Menino decides to run. Connolly said he respects Menino and his service to Boston, but noted he thought it’s time for a change in leadership. “I’ve worked with [Menino] and I’ve learned from him, however, this campaign is about Boston’s future, and the need for new ideas, new energy and a new resolve for Boston to reach its full potential.” Connolly said the way to ensure the future success of the city of Boston is to invest in its public schools to completely transform them into high-performing schools. “The success of our schools directly impacts our ability to create safe healthy and liveable neighborhoods as well as our ability to create jobs, attract talent and retain families in Boston,” Connolly said. “It’s not a mission impossible. Transforming our schools is a matter of political will and a bold desire to change the status quo.” Connolly said that specifically for the South End, he will be looking to stay make sure the neighborhood’s character remains through upcoming developments, engaging the LGBT community and the school community. “We want to make sure we’re principled about development, and that we respect and protect the character and integrity of the neighborhood,” he said. “I have a strong commitment to the LGBT community… and I’m proud of my committement there. I’ve done a lot of work with Hurley School parents and I’m a big fan of the McKinley and the Blackstone and I want to make sure we’re supporting our schools in the South End.” SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Serrazina v. Springfield Public Schools (Lawyers Weekly No. 10-027-13)
NOTICE: All slip opinions and orders are subject to formal revision and are superseded by the advance sheets and bound volumes of the Official Reports. If you find a typographical error or other formal error, please notify the Reporter of Decisions, Supreme Judicial Court, John Adams Courthouse, 1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500, Boston, MA 02108-1750; (617) 557-1030; SJCReporter@sjc.state.ma.us SJC‑11148 MARIA SERRAZINA vs. SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS. February 15, 2013. School and School Committee, Arbitration, Suspension from employment, Termination of employment, Compensation of personnel. Arbitration, School committee, Confirmation of award. Damages, Back pay. Labor, Arbitration. When the plaintiff, Maria Serrazina, became the subject of a certain Federal indictment, the defendant school department suspended her, without pay under G. L. c. 268A, § 25, from her position as a school adjustment counselor. Thereafter, she entered into a pretrial diversion agreement with Federal authorities, and the indictment ultimately was dismissed. After Serrazina sought reinstatement, the school department terminated her employment pursuant to G. L. c. 71, § 42, and she filed a grievance challenging the termination. An arbitrator ordered that she be reinstated. Serrazina then commenced an action in the Superior Court seeking confirmation of the arbitration award, as well as back pay for the period of her suspension and the period between her termination and reinstatement. A Superior Court judge affirmed the arbitration award reinstating Serrazina, but allowed the school department’s motion for summary judgment with respect to her back pay claims. Serrazina appealed, challenging the denial of compensation. The Appeals Court affirmed the denial with respect to the period between her termination and reinstatement, but reversed with respect to the period of her suspension. Serrazina v. Springfield Pub. Schs., 80 Mass. App. Ct. 617 (2011). We granted Serrazina’s application for further appellate review. We have considered the parties’ arguments and thoroughly reviewed the record. We agree with the result reached by the Appeals Court for substantially the same reasons. The judgment of the Superior Court is reversed insofar as it denies Serrazina back pay for the period of her suspension beginning on August 10, 2004, and ending on October 22, 2007; it is otherwise affirmed. The case is remanded for a calculation consistent with this opinion. So ordered. Maurice M. Cahillane (William E. Mahoney with him) for the defendant. Timothy J. Ryan (Henry M. Downey with him) for the plaintiff. Full-text Opinions
Boston Public Schools CLOSED on Tuesday, February 12
Boston Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday due to the continued cleanup of the blizzard of 2013 that dropped more than 20 inches on Boston’s neighborhoods. Mayor Thomas Menino made the announcement first over his official twitter account. “Boston Public Schools will be closed Tuesday, February 12,” he tweeted. Boston Public Schools are also closed next week for Febrary break. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Boston Public Schools CLOSED on Monday
Boston Public Schools will be closed on Monday, February 11, 2013, as crews continue to cleanup from one of the worst storms to hit Beantown. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino tweeted on Sunday: “Boston Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 11.” The snow emergency parking ban remains in effect. Menino also tweeted: “Our #1 priority today is getting to side streets. Thank you for patience as we recover from 5th largest storm to ever hit Boston.” Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) will have four community centers open Monday for parents who need a safe place for their child to spend the day. Children must be over age 6 and any child under 12 needs to be dropped off with a parent to fill out a short form before they leave the child. The centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open BCYF centers are: BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South Street, Jamaica Plain BCYF Hyde Park Community Center, 1179 River Street, Hyde Park BCYF Paris Street Community Center, 112 Paris Street, East Boston BCYF Tobin Community Center, 1481 Tremont Street, Mission Hill South End Patch