Embracing innovation

There simply can’t be enough innovation in public education these days — especially for kids trapped in failing schools.

And this past week lawmakers on Beacon Hill heard pleas from state and local officials for bills that would allow greater autonomy in troubled districts under the mantle of Innovation Partnership Zones.

Springfield has been something of a trailblazer in the concept, having already launched an “empowerment zone partnership” for three underperforming middle schools with the help of nonprofit organizations.

But when New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell wanted to try something similar, he hit a wall with the local teachers union. Mitchell’s idea was to catch a school before it “hits bottom.”

“As we’ve learned the hard way, it is much easier to rebuild a school that hasn’t entirely fallen apart,” Mitchell told members of the Education Committee.

Legislation drafted by House Education Chair Alice Peisch (DWellesley) and Sen. Eric Lesser of Longmeadow, whose district includes parts of Springfield, would allow the designation of an “innovation partnership zone” in areas with one or more underperforming schools or for schools coming out of state receivership (yes, the ones that have already “hit bottom”).

The “zone” would be governed by a newly formed board of directors and given autonomy over curriculum, budget, schedules and professional development — all of the elements essential for a successful turnaround.

“Without that level of control, educators often don’t feel they can take full responsibility for the outcomes,” said Education Secretary Jim Peyser, who is a supporter of the concept.

So with powerful supporters like Peyser, Peisch and Lesser, what could possibly stand in the way?

The same powers that stood in the way in New Bedford — the teachers unions. The president of the Springfield union, Maureen Colgan, insisted it would “essentially be a charterlike board dominated by outsiders or business interests.”

Apparently anyone who isn’t already a part of the failing system is an “outsider” and heaven knows a school system wouldn’t want to make common ground with “business interests” — and the future employers of those emerging from those schools!

What a sadly narrow view. But it does explain why this legislation is so desperately needed.