Cambridge School Committee Approves Middle School-Move

Cambridge's school committee on Tuesday night voted to add four new middle schools to the school system — a controversial move that eliminates the K-8 education model.

In an emotional meeting, the school committee voted 6-1 to break up the existing system and create the four new schools for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. Committee members say they hope the new model will improve achievement by giving students a more equal experience across the district.

"This decision was not personally good for me, not politically good for me, and not parent-ally good for me," said committee member Marc McGovern, who voted in favor. "It was good for a lot of the children in Cambridge who have not been served for a very long time."

Parent Brian Corr supports the plan.

"I think creating these four middle schools will bring together kids from a range of communities so that we have a diversified learning environment, and I think that will help all of our children," Corr said.

But parents who oppose the plan say it isn’t based on sound educational research and it doesn’t show how middle schools will fix the achievement gap.

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