Boston Public Schools in 2024: Echoes of Kozol’s “Savage Inequalities” and the Call for Systemic Change
In 1991, Jonathan Kozol’s “Savage Inequalities” shone a spotlight on the stark disparities in America’s public education system. Three decades later, Boston Public Schools (BPS) in 2024 still grapple with many of the issues Kozol identified. As the birthplace of public education in America, Boston should be at the forefront of creating an equitable system where all students, regardless of race, immigration status, or learning needs, are set up to compete in today’s economy. However, the reality falls short of this ideal.
The Persistent Gap
Recent statistics paint a troubling picture:
- According to a 2023 report by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the graduation rate for Black students in BPS was 76.5%, compared to 89.6% for white students.
- The same report showed that only 29% of Black students and 31% of Hispanic students in BPS met or exceeded expectations in math, compared to 62% of white students.
- A 2024 study by the Boston Foundation found that while 45% of Boston’s school-age population is Black or Hispanic, these groups make up only 18% of students in the city’s exam schools.
These numbers reflect a system that, despite efforts, continues to underserve students of color.
Representation Matters
The lack of diversity in Boston’s positions of power has a direct impact on students’ psyche and aspirations. While the city has seen progress with the election of Michelle Wu as the first Asian American mayor, and Andrea Campbell becoming the first woman of color elected to statewide office, these remain exceptions rather than the rule.
In the corporate world, a 2023 report by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce found that only 5% of executive positions in Boston’s top 100 public companies were held by Black individuals. This underrepresentation in influential roles sends a powerful, if unintended, message to students of color about their potential futures.
The Economic Imperative
Boston has become one of the nation’s most expensive cities to live in, with a 2024 Boston Planning & Development Agency report showing median rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $3,300 per month. In this economic climate, it’s crucial that BPS creates a framework to produce future leaders who can thrive in and contribute to the city’s economy.
Currently, BPS risks becoming a gatekeeper of poverty rather than a gateway to prosperity. The system appears to rely heavily on its exam schools to produce leaders, while many neighborhood schools struggle to provide equitable opportunities.
Breaking the Cycle
To address these issues, BPS must:
- Implement a curriculum that reflects the diversity of its student body and prepares all students for leadership roles.
- Increase resources and support for neighborhood schools to close the achievement gap with exam schools.
- Partner with local businesses and universities to create mentorship programs and clear pathways to higher education and employment.
- Actively recruit and retain teachers and administrators of color to provide role models for students.
- Address the socioeconomic factors that impact student performance through community partnerships and wraparound services.
Conclusion
Boston, with its rich history of education and innovation, has the potential to lead the nation in creating an equitable public school system. However, this requires acknowledging the persistent inequalities, moving beyond the “silent apartheid” of our current system, and taking bold action to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, can see themselves as future leaders and meaningful contributors to society.
The future of Boston depends on its ability to nurture and retain diverse talent. By transforming BPS into a truly equitable system, we can ensure that the next generation of Bostonians — all Bostonians — are prepared to lead and thrive in the city they call home.
Tony Clark is The Principal of The T.Clark Consulting Group and has advised over twenty five public school districts throughout the United States of America
