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.