Boston Council Education Panel Demands BPS Athletics Officials Appear at Separate Hearing

BOSTON — March 11, 2024 — Boston City Council education panel hears that BPS athletes are losing practice access at Reggie Lewis as facility faces $20 million in deferred repairs. The Committee on Education, chaired by at-large Councilor Henry Santana, convened March 11 on Docket 0177 to examine scheduling access to the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College for Boston Public Schools athletes — but lead sponsor Councilor Erin J. Murphy announced no questions for panelists after BPS Senior Director of Athletics Avery Esdell failed to attend. RCC Interim President Jackie Jenkins-Scott told the panel the center needs $20 million in repairs, including a $6.9 million roof and HVAC overhaul, on an annual state appropriation of just $1.125 million with a retained revenue cap of $529,000. Murphy, who said she has voted against the BPS budget her first two years citing lack of athletic investment, noted the district spends just $76 per student on athletics against $35,000 in total per-pupil spending. Coach Ted Lozka of the Boston United Track Club testified that only two or three city schools are close enough to make the current compressed practice window, and that a second daily meet slot added last season eliminated afternoon access for most BPS teams without explanation.