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Committee examines class-size hotspots, enrollment dip and plans to map middle-school zones to replace lottery
Summary
Committee members reviewed enrollment data showing high class sizes at some grades, discussed classroom distribution at Beachmont and Paul Revere schools, and authorized staff to work with MAPC to develop middle-school neighborhooding scenarios to potentially eliminate the lottery.
Revere school leaders reported enrollment and class-size data and discussed proposals to redraw middle-school attendance boundaries to reduce reliance on the lottery.
Key numbers and concerns Superintendent Dr. Kelly (referred to in the meeting) and staff presented class-size averages: grade‑5 at Paul Revere was reported at about 26 students; grade‑4 averaged roughly 25.3. Committee members expressed concern about Paul Revere’s higher class sizes while noting that Beachmont had smaller classes (one cited example of a class of 17) and that Beachmont historically operated with three classrooms per grade level.
Possible redistricting and MAPC engagement Staff said they are working with the city planning office and that Tom Swarovski has reached out to MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Council) to develop mapping and enrollment scenarios. MAPC offered multiple scope options — a no‑cost, limited analysis and paid scopes for a fuller data-driven model — and staff said a scope of work and cost estimates should be available next week. MAPC would analyze grades 1–7 enrollment, project growth from new housing, produce heat maps and scenario options, and return material to the committee for consideration.
Why it matters The committee discussed tradeoffs: neighborhood middle schools could preserve local cohorts but may temporarily unbalance enrollments across schools. Members asked for community engagement and public forums so parents can weigh in on proposed boundary maps. Staff said the committee can vote to eliminate the lottery by December if it chooses, and that any reassignments would typically grandfather current students so transfers affect new entrants first.
Next steps Staff will present MAPC scope and cost options and promised updated enrollment figures at the September meeting; the committee discussed a December or January decision point to give time for community review and final action.
