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The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Update on Lawrence Public Schools District Turnaround Plan Release

To:
Members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
From:
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner
Date:
June 15, 2012

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted on November 29, 2011, to designate the Lawrence Public Schools as a Level 5 district, pursuant to the Board's authority under M.G.L. Chapter 69, s. 1K and 603 CMR 2.00. The following is an update on the Lawrence Public Schools receivership since the May 2012 Board meeting.

Release of the Level 5 District Turnaround Plan

The Lawrence Public School district turnaround plan was released on Wednesday, May 30th. I was joined by Board Chair Maura Banta and Lawrence Receiver Jeff Riley for the release event at the South Lawrence East Educational Complex. Mayor Lantigua, State Representative Paul Adams, City Councilor Dan Rivera, Lawrence Teacher Union president Frank McLaughlin, and many local community members (including clergy, parents, and others) joined us to unveil the plan. I am confident that this plan outlines a strategy that will dramatically improve outcomes for students in Lawrence.

Receiver Riley has demonstrated great leadership in developing an innovative plan and building community support for the work ahead. I have asked him to join us on June 26th for a discussion about the plan and the next steps in building district and community support for implementation.

I look forward to discussing this progress with the Board on June 26th, and to continuing to work with the Receiver and the entire Lawrence community to transform the school district into one where strong education outcomes are the rule and no longer the exception.

Enclosure:

Download Word Document
Lawrence Level 5 District Turnaround Plan