In a recent Boston Public Schools (BPS) meeting, parents and advocates voiced significant concerns regarding the district's handling of educational opportunities and leadership changes. One parent highlighted her decision to withdraw her daughter from the Henderson School, citing ongoing violence and a lack of leadership, which she felt hindered her child's learning experience. The parent expressed hope that the newly appointed head of school, Dr. Wiggins, could restore the school's previous reputation as a supportive community for diverse families.

The parent criticized the current exam school admission policies, arguing that they disproportionately exclude students from non-Title 1 schools, limiting their access to quality education. She pointed out the absence of representation for these students on the task force responsible for shaping educational policies, emphasizing that public schools should serve all community members, not just those from specific backgrounds.

John Mudd, a longtime education advocate, also addressed the committee, focusing on the need for improved support for multilingual learners. He noted that evaluations of the superintendent highlighted concerns about the district's approach to native language instruction, which currently favors English immersion over bilingual education. Mudd urged the committee to reassess its policies and set measurable goals for expanding bilingual programs, particularly in light of poor performance outcomes for multilingual students.

Both speakers underscored the urgent need for BPS to address systemic inequities and ensure that all students have access to quality educational opportunities, calling for immediate action to prevent further exclusion of vulnerable populations.