Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
New Bedford officials reported growth in early college enrollment, adoption of MEFA Pathway for student planning, and progress on college application supports. Presenters said 34 early-college seniors had earned an average of nine credits at midyear with projected averages above 12 by graduation.
Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
Educators and the New Bedford Educators Association urged the committee for a contract that includes living wages and paid parental leave, citing turnover and recruitment challenges. NBEA leaders said nearly 180 new hires this year reflect about 15% turnover.
Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
Speakers at Tuesdays New Bedford School Committee meeting urged the committee to reinsert a Safe Zone resolution that was removed from the agenda, saying the district must declare schools safe for undocumented and immigrant students. A motion was later made to add the resolution to next months agenda.
Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
The New Bedford School Committee approved the fiscal year 2026 operating budget Tuesday, adopting a net school spending figure of $249,987,821 and a total budget of $267,059,472. The vote passed on a 6-1 tally with Mayor John Mitchell the lone no vote.
Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
Students from William H. Taylor Elementary asked the New Bedford School Committee to accept a historic medal found by a local reverend. The committee unanimously voted to accept the medal and place it at the school.
Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
The New Bedford School Committee heard a detailed proposal to standardize and expand fine arts instruction across the district, including schedule changes, hiring, instrument purchases and long‑term facility upgrades for the high school band program.
Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
The student representative reported successes across winter sports and music programs and raised student concerns about weapons screening delays, bus overcrowding, and federal policy uncertainty affecting district funding.
Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
The New Bedford School Committee voted unanimously to approve an alternate competency determination for the Class of 2025 that relies on passing coursework and district‑approved, evidence‑based assessments aligned to grade‑level standards in Algebra I, Geometry, English Language Arts (grade 10) and a lab science (biology or physics).
Massachusetts / School Boards / New Bedford Public Schools
District staff presented data showing drops in conduct incidents, suspensions and chronic absenteeism at middle schools after stricter enforcement of the existing cell‑phone policy and proposed a districtwide Yondr pouch rollout for grades 6–12 next school year with exemptions for medical needs and a staged communications and logistics plan.