BPS changes include working with UVA

Leadership shuffle comes as part of reorganization

Boston Public Schools is working with the University of Virginia in a new three-year partnership to improve achievement at five elementary schools.

The changes are part of the district’s reorganization efforts to create networks of elementary and secondary schools with the goal to support schools on the brink of failure.

Over the past year, BPS has visited several Level 3 schools to provide support, including the Mather Elementary School. These schools are identified as needing help to improve, but are not necessarily in danger of becoming a Level 4 turnaround school, BPS said.

The changes come as many of the district’s leaders are leaving for other schools.

“Boston Public Schools is continuing to work with school leaders on finalizing a new organizational structure for next year,” BPS said in a statement.

“The new structure will result in small networks of schools working together, along with district leadership and external partners, to provide targeted supports to schools with the greatest needs. BPS is always examining how to utilize current resources to close opportunity and achievement gaps, and better prepare students for college, career, and life,” the department said.

Assistant Superintendent Mary Driscoll will lead the new office of elementary schools, which includes elementary, middle and K-8 schools.

Assistant Superintendent Ligia Noriega-Murphy will oversee high schools.

There will be up to four “transformative networks” each including six to eight schools. One network is working with UVA to develop turnaround practices. One so-called “learning network” will include 50 schools throughout the city and will be aimed at teacher training. Another group will support “off track youth,” focusing on students who are failing school or are at risk of dropping out.

The Mather is one of five schools that will be working with UVA next year.

In a letter sent to the school community this week, outgoing Mather Principal Rochelle M. Nwosu said: “The cohort is designed as a collective learning experience and an opportunity for people to learn from one another. Although we will experience a strengthened relationship with the district through partnership, the work will be done at the school site, incorporating teacher voice and led by the administrators at our school. There will be multiple opportunities for teacher leadership throughout the implementation of this plan and I will share more information with you as they take shape.”

The UVA program specializes in training school principals around the country to improve struggling schools, according to a description on its website.