The Lowell School Committee has dropped proposed changes to its homeschool policy after local families and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) voiced opposition. The district had proposed allowing homeschool withdrawals only in August, September and November, requiring instruction to match public school standards, and requiring families to register with the district's Family Resource Center. HSLDA staff attorney Amy Buchmeyer submitted written testimony arguing the proposals exceeded what Massachusetts law allows. Lowell homeschooler Amy Cooper, who has taught her children at home there for five years, contacted HSLDA about her concerns. For Massachusetts families, the outcome shows that local advocacy can shape how homeschool rules are set.
Boston Public Schools is recommending the closure of three schools: East Boston Early Education Center, Greater Egleston High School and Charlestown High School. The changes are part of a long-term plan to operate fewer schools as enrollment declines. Superintendent Mary Skipper is expected to present the recommendations to the Boston School Committee on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and the committee is expected to vote on the closures on Dec. 2. If approved, the closures would take effect June 30, 2028, leaving the district with 97 schools on its way to about 95 by 2030. Students at East Boston Early Education Center would be guaranteed placement at McKay. The Joseph Hurley School and Joyce Kilmer School would become Pre-K-6 schools beginning in the 2028-29 school year.
.61 billion supplemental spending bill that would settle fiscal year 2026 accounts. It includes $368 million for the Student Opportunity Act Investment Fund as the state moves toward a new education funding approach, and
8.5 million in early education subsidies for family and center-based providers. The bill also adds policy provisions on subscription cancellations, "junk fees," recurring credit card charges and public benefit fraud. It cleared the Senate Ways and Means Committee 15-0 and is set for floor debate. The House passed its version (H 5700) last week, and the two chambers must agree on a single bill this fall. Amendments are due Monday at 2:30 p.m., and the Senate takes up the bill in a formal session on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Boston Public Schools shared several updates. Orchard Gardens K-8 instructional coach Mansur Buffins was named one of seven 2027 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year semifinalists, chosen from 347 nominations. The district's Student Poll Worker Program, which offers paid roles at polling places to students who will be at least 16 by Election Day, is marking its 10th year ahead of the November 3, 2026 election. BPS was also recognized in the statewide Terrific Tray school meals competition for its June menu of local foods. Mayor Michelle Wu will deliver the 2026 State of the Schools Address on Monday, October 19 at UMass Boston, starting at 6:30 p.m. It will be streamed live on Boston.gov.
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners · Mon, Aug 3, 2026
On July 31, 2026, the Massachusetts Legislature passed An Act regarding free expression, S.3241, which sets clear guidelines for how schools and libraries decide which books to make available, and how local leaders determine whether a book is appropriate or should be removed from the shelf. Senate President Karen E. Spilka said the bill protects the freedom to read a book of one's choice, free of political bias. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners reports that formal challenges to library materials, programs, and services have increased by 50% since FY2023. Governor Healey has until August 14 to sign the bill, which now heads to the Governor's desk.
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