Boston Considers School Closures

Budget problems locally have the Boston Public Schools system considering closing or merging some of its failing schools.

WBUR's Bianca Vazquez Toness reports.

BVT: Faced with declining enrollment and increasing costs, Boston school officials are planning to close or merge some schools. Superintendent Carol Johnson says she'll consider academic success, efficiency, and demand for programs. The physical condition of buildings will also matter.

JOHNSON: We believe that unless we are fiscally responsible and efficient on the operational side, we won't have the kind of resources we need to make sure we have high quality programs that provide excellence for all.

BVT: Johnson will present her plan to the school committee next week. She'll spend October talking with parents and teachers about the proposal before the school committee votes at the end of next month.