Chronically Underperforming Schools and Districts

Current Chronically Underperforming Districts

About Southbridge Public Schools

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education placed Southbridge Public Schools in chronically underperforming status on January 26, 2016. Commissioner Chester and the Receiver released the district's Turnaround Plan on June 24, 2016. On January 19, 2018, Acting Commissioner Jeff Wulfson named Dr. Jeffrey Villar as Receiver for the district. On November 15, 2019, Commissioner Riley renewed the district's turnaround plan and continued the district in chronically underperforming status for an additional three-year period. On July 13, 2021, Commissioner Riley removed the label and reference to "Master Teacher" in chronically underperforming school and district turnaround plans and replaced it with "Expert Teacher." On November 22, 2022, the Commissioner renewed the district's turnaround plan for an additional three years.

About Lawrence Public Schools

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education placed the Lawrence School District in Chronically Underperforming in November 2011, the first district in the state to be designated chronically underperforming. In January 2012, the Commissioner named Mr. Jeff Riley as Receiver for the district. On May 30, 2012, the Commissioner and Receiver released a Chronically Underperforming District Turnaround Plan for Lawrence. On May 29, 2015, the Commissioner renewed Lawrence's Chronically Underperforming District Turnaround Plan. On April, 5, 2018, Mr. Riley was sworn in as the next commissioner of elementary and secondary education. On April 18, 2018, Commissioner Riley named the Lawrence Alliance for Education (LAE) as receiver for Lawrence Public Schools. On July 13, 2021, Commissioner Riley removed the label and reference to "Master Teacher" in chronically underperforming school and district turnaround plans and replaced it with "Expert Teacher." On January 12, 2022 the Commissioner renewed Lawrence's Chronically Underperforming District Turnaround Plan for an additional three years. On August 24, 2022, the Commissioner named an interim Chair to the Lawrence Alliance for Education. On March 28, 2023, the Commissioner announced that the state delegation representing Lawrence would recommend four new LAE members to him for appointment to the LAE. On January 10, 2025, Acting Commissioner Johnston announced that the Lawrence Public Schools Turnaround Plan will be extended and remain in effect until January 12, 2026.

Last Updated: July 3, 2025

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