Menino Seeks Delay On School Assignment Vote

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is asking a panel he appointed to delay a vote — originally scheduled for this weekend — on new school assignment plans, but just long enough to let parents weigh in.

Menino says the group has met more than 70 times to shape three new school assignment proposals, which were announced last month.

The mayor wants the panel to recommend one to the School Committee for approval by the end of this month.

"It's about quality education in the city of Boston," Menino said. "We've been fighting for that since 1973. We're at a point in our city's history when we should be doing it."

The new plans are aimed at letting students attend high-quality schools closer to home.

A new plan would take effect in 2014.