Boston, MA – Josh Kraft issued the following statement today in reaction to the numerous safety and management failures at the Henderson School in Dorchester as outlined in the Boston Globe today and previously reported by the Dorchester Reporter:

“What has unfolded at the Henderson School is heartbreaking and wrong. The violence and mayhem inside the school has gone unaddressed by the Wu Administration, creating an unsafe environment for students and staff, and alarm among parents. It is another example of how the Boston Public Schools under Michelle Wu are headed in the wrong direction. While Michelle Wu shows up for the good news, like ribbon cuttings, she’s not around when it is time to do the difficult work of listening to community voices and taking corrective action.

Access to a high-quality education is the foundation upon which our young people can build a life and achieve their dreams. When our schools are chaotic and unsafe and the legitimate concerns of parents and students are ignored, we are failing our kids. 

As Mayor, I will be a hands-on leader when it comes to our schools. I would be meeting with parents, teachers, and staff at the Henderson. I would hold BPS leadership accountable for developing a school safety plan that would be shared with the school community. I would make sure that all students and staff can come to school feeling safe, that violent behavior is dealt with quickly and appropriately, and that the school community trusts its leaders to do what is right for them.

The Henderson School, named after former Headmaster, Dr. William Henderson – a visionary leader who created the inclusion model – was once held up as a national standard for inclusion. As Mayor, I will not neglect or turn a blind eye from difficult challenges, but instead will do everything I can to make the Henderson School, and all of Boston Public Schools, a place where kids can thrive and grow and achieve their dreams.”

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Media contact:

Eileen O’Connor, eileen@joshforboston.com

617-806-6999