The planned closing of West Roxbury Academy and Urban Science Academy at the end of the school year means students are paying for the district’s mistakes, said Laura Perille, but the Boston Public Schools interim superintendent said the district is trying to implement the changes without hurting the affected students’ education.
“There is absolutely no question that for the students it is addressing challenges, accumulated decision and mistakes of the past,” Perille said.
“Closing a school, let alone two schools, is among the most difficult decisions that a school district faces,” Perille added. “It’s emotional, it’s difficult, it’s disruptive for students and staff … we share that pain and sympathy with students and parents and staff who are understandably upset and oppose this.”
Parents, students and teachers have been protesting the district’s plan for several months, saying the decision will have traumatic results for the students.