Boston School Committee renames Burke High School, closes two school buildings

BOSTON — June 17, 2024 — Boston School Committee unanimously renames Jeremiah E. Burke High School after retired administrator Dr. Albert D. Holland and approves two school closures. The committee voted 6-0 at its June 17 meeting to rename the school the Dr. Albert D. Holland High School of Technology, capping months of public advocacy from supporters who described Holland's 50-year career in the district, including his leadership during Boston's busing crisis. The board also approved the closure of the West Zone Early Learning Center — consolidating it into the Hennigan School as a new pre-K through 6 community hub — and the formal closure of the Lila G. Frederick Middle School, the district's last standalone middle school, over significant public opposition. Forty-seven speakers signed up for comment, with critics accusing the district of inadequate community engagement; Councilor Benjamin Weber of District 6 said families received notice of the West Zone closure only days before the vote. The committee separately approved $25,038,880 in grants, anchored by a $20 million EPA award for zero-emission electric buses not expected to deploy until the 2025-26 school year.