Recession Hits Boston Public Schools

This story is part of  probing the economy's effect on local schools.

When West Roxbury Patch started its EduNation series the Boston Public School system had yet to reveal its "Redesign and Reinvest" plan to save about $10 million a year and boost academic performance, according to BPS Superintendent Carol Johnson.

BPS had yet to announce that the system is faced with a $63-million budget gap. But things can change that quickly. The last four years saw a BPS budget that increase very slightly each year. 

But facing a school system with a budget gap and 5,600 empty seats across the city, some drastic decisions needed to be made.

Johnson debuted the plan to shutter nine schools and merge eight others, as well as expand other schools and programs in recent weeks. Residents and politicians like Boston City Councilor Matt O'Malley said BPS' plan did not provide enough time for residents to speak for or against the plan.

But that didn't matter because within three weeks of the plan being announced - the .

So far there are two major ways the plan will affect West Roxbury. 

The West Roxbury Education Complex's four schools will be merged into two. Layoffs are expected at the school from some of the administration. 

will merge with the l. And the  will absorb the . But where BPS sees efficiency, students and teachers see bigger classes with more disruptions.

"If we merge, it will take away the special community we have built at USA," said Urban Science Academy student Elizabeth Foster. She said she understands a merger will save money, "but at what cost?"

Brook Farm Academy students turned in a 200-signature petition and hundreds of letters against the merger.

The other known way the plan will affect West Roxbury is that up to 60 ELL (English language learner) students from the Agassiz School in Jamaica Plain, which is to be closed, could attend the Patrick Lyndon School.

Lyndon School parents have let their concerns be known about the plan, and they are worried that accommodating the new students will reduce programming at one of the jewels of the BPS system.

But Lyndon School staff have said that the building can accommodate the new students and that programming will not be cut. 

BPS' new plan will begin next September. See the attached PDF for all of the school closings, mergers and expansions.