Wu Expands Boston Schools Programs and Sets Five Year Goals

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu outlined new accountability goals and expanded student programs during her second annual State of the Schools address on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She reaffirmed her ambition to make Boston Public Schools (BPS) the best school district in the country while defending its progress amid persistent academic performance challenges and criticism over state assessment results.

Wu said the city would establish five-year targets for attendance, assessment scores, early literacy, coursework completion, college and career preparation, and school safety. According to reports from The Boston Globe, WBUR, and the Boston Herald, the targets will give the district measurable benchmarks under its recently introduced Strategic Roadmap.

The mayor also announced plans to connect 2,000 high school students with jobs during the school year, an increase of 300 positions from the previous year. By 2030, she aims to double the number of BPS high school students earning college credits and vocational industry certifications at no cost.

Wu's broader agenda includes expanding free weekend sports for students in grades 6 through 12, extending the spelling bee program to every eligible school, and adding five community hub schools by the start of the 2027-28 school year. The district currently has 20 such schools, which connect families with local organizations and services, including food assistance, English classes, and before- and after-school care.

In her address, Wu defended the district against criticism over standardized test performance and an advertising campaign highlighting students' academic difficulties.

"Some might look at our community and see a target for immigration raids, federal funding cuts, or cynical billboards," said Wu, Boston's mayor.

The mayor argued that Boston schools have made progress despite federal immigration enforcement and funding pressures. She also highlighted the district's record-high graduation rate, declining chronic absenteeism, and improved standing among Massachusetts' large urban school districts.

State assessment results, however, continue to show substantial challenges. WBUR reported that 29% of Boston students in grades 3-8 met state proficiency standards in reading and math in the spring assessments, compared with a statewide average of 40%. The Boston Herald reported that approximately 31% of BPS third-graders met or exceeded expectations, reflecting a different grade-specific measure.

The Boston Globe reported that district test scores remain substantially below prepandemic levels from 2019, while racial disparities in college enrollment have widened. Students attending nonexam high schools also face higher absenteeism, lower on-time graduation rates, and weaker assessment results than students at selective exam schools.

Wu highlighted improvements in third-grade reading performance relative to other urban districts. She said Boston had ranked near the bottom of the state's urban district cohort 15 years ago but had led that group for the past six years.

Superintendent Mary Skipper acknowledged that academic outcomes still need improvement while emphasizing the district's ongoing work.

"We’re not at all satisfied with where we are. We want all students to be proficient," said Skipper, Boston Public Schools superintendent.

Skipper also outlined plans to strengthen rigorous coursework, expand early college opportunities, improve career-connected learning, and advance artificial intelligence literacy and financial education. She said the district would continue its long-term facilities work to provide students with modern learning environments.

School Committee member Franklin Peralta welcomed the proposed five-year targets, telling WBUR that committee members and education advocates had sought clearer goals. The measures are expected to make it easier to review progress and refine priorities.

Other announced initiatives include opening Madison Park Technical Vocational High School's after-school career training opportunities to students from other BPS high schools. The district also plans to expand advanced placement courses, increase access to apprenticeships, and improve school bus performance.

The district has separately proposed restricting students from using personal cellphones, laptops, smartwatches, and other electronic devices during the school day. The policy requires School Committee approval, with a vote planned for early 2027.

Wu also said White Stadium remained on track to open as a student athletics facility in fall 2027, following the completion of required approvals.