Tonight marks the beginning of a historic opportunity to improve our Boston Public Schools. This evening, the school department will release five draft proposals to reform Boston’s student assignment lottery. Ultimately, the Superintendent, working with a citizens advisory committee, will recommend a final plan in November that will be voted on by the School Committee in December.

Last Wednesday, I argued in the Boston Globe that tonight’s plans need to make real commitments and investments toward upgrading quality at every school while giving children and families the ability to go to school close to home. Please take a moment to read it here.

As chair of the City Council’s Committee on Education, I have conducted three public hearings and dozens of small group meetings with hundreds of parents across every neighborhood in Boston seeking input on what makes a quality school and how best to reform the student assignment system. While opinions vary on these questions, almost everyone agrees that the current system is broken, subjecting our families to a lottery that results in some families winning and some families losing.

I know many of you have been jaded by past opportunities for change in BPS, but I do believe this is a moment that will shape our schools, and our city, for years to come.

In the coming days and weeks, I will keep you updated on the proposed plans and offer constructive ways to make sure that your voice is heard. We will only get a plan that every child deserves if Boston’s parents step into the debate.

If you have questions or concerns at any point during this process, I hope you will contact my office at 617-635-3115 or email me at john@connollyforboston.com.

I look forward to working with you during this important time.