Offered ​by ​Councilor Jackson

CITY OF BOSTON FOR CITY COUNCIL ORDER FOR A HEARING TO DISCUSS RECRUITING AND RETAINING EDUCATORS OF COLOR WITHIN BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WHEREAS,

The Boston Public Schools (BPS) student population is one of the most diverse in the country, but the district continues to face challenges in achieving a diverse workforce, especially recruiting and retaining educators of color; and

WHEREAS,

According to BPS, in 2015 86% of BPS students are students of color, but only 21% of teachers are black, 10% of teachers are Hispanic/Latino and 6% of teachers are Asian; and

WHEREAS,

These numbers, combined with the guidance counselor staffing numbers, have remained consistent since 2007, this consistency demonstrates that BPS struggles to meet the Judge Garrity order requiring the district to achieve a staffing composition of 25% black and 10% other minorities in all Boston Public Schools; and

WHEREAS,

The shortage of teachers of color – especially the dearth in supply of male teachers of color, deprives all students of qualified and certified role models who have similar backgrounds, can be sources of inspiration to all students, and can be instrumental in closing the achievement gap; and

WHEREAS,

It is imperative that the Boston City Council examines the current and past hiring practices, retention goals and obstacles, development and training programs, and related efforts of BPS with the focus of sustaining a workforce more diverse than that required by the court order; and NOW

THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, That the appropriate committee of the Boston City Council hold a hearing to discuss the recruitment and retention of educators of color within BPS and invite the BPS Office of Human Capital and other interested parties to attend the hearing.