Boston City Council Discusses Teacher Diversity and Recess in Schools

The council also talked about parking meter technology and approved $1 million for public parks during the May 16 regular meeting.

  The Boston City Council supported holding two hearings related to Boston Public Schools: one on efforts to diversity the teacher workforce and the other to discuss recess as an important part of the school day. Councilors also talked about bringing the latest technology to parking meters, and approved $1 million for park maintenance.  Diversity Boston Public Schools has made efforts to increase diversity in its teaching staff, but it still doesn't reflect the racial, ethnic, and gender demographics of the student body, At-Large Councilor Ayanna Pressley said in her order filed for a hearing on the issue. The racial diversity among students isn't mirrored among teachers, she said. The hearing discussion would center on what's working, …

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David Ertischek

2:36 pm on Thursday, May 17, 2012

That's a very good suggestion, Mayre. That is an expensive tab for urban schools.   more ›

Boston City Councilors Discuss "Three Strikes" Laws

Several bills being discussed on the state level to give life sentences to repeat violent offenders.

  The Boston City Council discussed several bills before the state Senate and House to enact so-called "three-strikes" legislation. District 4 Councilor Charles Yancey proposed the council send a resolution to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and the state Legislature to thoroughly study the implications, both financial and in human terms, the law could have on Boston. Several councilors, including West Roxbury's Matt O'Malley said Yancey's resolution was premature, as three bills are being discussed in state committees, including Melissa's Bill.  O'Malley said he'd like the council to have a hearing once the state committees discuss the state laws. The Boston City Council held similar hearings on the changes to the C.O.R.I. (criminal …

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State’s Animal Protection PAC, Humane USA, Endorse O'Malley, Arroyo, Connolly and Pressley

Boston City Council candidates were judged based upon a variety of animal issues.

Massachusetts' Animal Protection Political Action Committee, Humane USA-Massachusetts, endorsed three incumbents for the Nov. 8 At-Large Boston City Council race, as well as local face. West Roxbury's District Councilor Matt O'Malley, while unopposed, garnered an endorsement, because he "positioned himself as a leader on issues. He recently formed 'Woof Roxbury,' and effort to explore a possible off-leash dog recreation space in the area of Millenium Park in West Roxbury." Endorsements are based on a variety of animal issues including use of wild animals in circuses, designated off-leash recreation areas for dogs, animal control policies, as well as the candidates’ personal views on the treatment of animals. Based on the criteria, at-large…

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David Ertischek

4:54 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011

Hello Bill, I can tell you that as the person who took that photo - those dogs chose to greet each other face-to-face. No canines were harmed in the making of that photo shoot. David   more ›

Adventures in Door Knocking with Ayanna Pressley and John Connolly in West Roxbury

The two sitting At-Large Boston City Councilors recently joined campaigns as Nov. 8 election looms.

Before hitting hilly Cerdan Avenue, At-Large Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley pulled on some sneakers for some door knocking and coincidental exercise. Fellow sitting At-Large City Councilor John Connolly decided to keep his dress shoes on as the duo hit the West Roxbury neighborhood he grew up in. Pressley and Connolly recently joined their campaigns as the Nov. 8 election looms. Also all four incumbents, including Council President Stephen Murphy and Felix Arroyo, initially all asked residents to vote for the quartet, in hopes of keeping former city councilor and mayoral candidate Michael Flaherty off the council. As the two walked they talked about their union and friendship, which dates back at least six years. "This wasn't about …

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David Ertischek

4:05 pm on Friday, October 28, 2011

Hello TwentyTwenty, A lot of people believe Menino will run again in two years. But if he didn't it'd be an interesting election with a lot of candidates.   more ›

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: October 18

A ReadBoston ChickLits event tonight at West on Centre; and it's political season with the Boston City Council

"Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more, and let us know what you think of the five things in the comments section.

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Boston City Councilors Kick Off Pet Adoption Drive

Animal Rescue League of Boston is hoping to rescue 1,500 animals by the end of October.

Boston City Councilors Mike Ross, Ayanna Pressley and Felix G. Arroyo helped kick off Race to Rescue 1500 – stopping by the Animal Rescue League’s Boston shelter to meet some of the animals awaiting adoption. Councilors Pressley and Ross had a great time getting to know shelter favorites William and Henry who were adopted just a few days after this photo was taken. The unlikely duo – a one-year-old cat and four-year-old Chihuahua mix - presented a special challenge for the adoption staff; they came to the shelter together, having been best buddies since William was a young kitten and needed a forever home where they could continue to spend their days together. Councilor Arroyo met 10-month-old purebred yellow Lab Rufus who has been in the …

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