Skip to content
  • logo
  • logo
  • Real Estate
    • Development
  • Restaurants
  • Calendar
    • Add an event
  • Tell JP Your News
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
    • About Us

Jamaica Plain News - Fresh News for the Neighborhood You Love

Jamaica Plain News (https://www.jamaicaplainnews.com/2022/04/28/superintendent-recommends-closing-mission-hill-k-8-school-after-investigations/412201)

  • Real Estate
    • Development
  • Restaurants
  • Calendar
    • Add an event
  • Tell JP Your News
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
    • About Us

Superintendent Recommends Closing Mission Hill K-8 School After Investigations

By David Ertischek | April 28, 2022
LikeTweet EmailPrint More
  • More on Boston Public Schools
  • Subscribe to Boston Public Schools

The Mission Hill K-8 School allowed students to be sexually and physically abused, harassed, and bullied for years, as school staff ignored repeated parental allegations, according to a 189-page external investigation.

In a letter to the Boston Public Schools community, Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said she called for multiple investigations last fall after receiving additional complaints last summer.

Cassellius is recommending that the School Committee vote in a special session next week to close the school at the end of the school year. Cassellius said that a change of leadership at the school would not change the culture of the school due to, "...lack of accountability shown by school leadership leaves no hope that simple changes in leadership or governance structure would address the pervasive, underlying issues that contributed to the unsafe conditions at the school."

Shortly before this school year began, BPS removed the school's two leaders. That decision was made after an internal investigation found credible evidence that the school didn't take appropriate action after complaints were filed about the mistreatment of at least one student during a 5-year period starting in 2014.

In July 2021, attorneys representing two parents whose daughters previously attended the school on Child Street, said they reached a $650,000 settlement with BPS due to their lawsuit that alleges that not only did the school's principal do nothing to stop one a student from sexually attacking other students, but that she fired a teacher who disobeyed her order not to file a report with the state Department of Children and Families. The principal at that time was Ayla Gavins, reported UniversalHub.com.

Below is Cassellious' letter to the BPS community. The Boston Globe has more coverage of the 189-page investigation.

Dear BPS Community,

Nothing is more important than the safety, health and wellbeing of our BPS students. This fundamental principle is at the very core of our work to ensure an excellent education for the students we serve.

When serious issues come to light that we believe compromise the safety of our students, we have a duty to act. Such is the case with the Mission Hill K-8 School, which has been the subject of multiple allegations of pervasive physical and sexual abuse, harassment and bullying of students.

Upon receiving additional complaints at the end of last summer, I promptly launched several investigations, including a review of specific allegations, and a more extensive inquiry of the school, conducted by the law firm Hinckley-Allen. The investigation examined the school’s culture, its governance structure and instructional practices. That investigation began early in the school year and I received the findings this month.

After an exhaustive review of the Hinckley-Allen report and a School Quality Review conducted by School Works, and with careful consideration of all possible options, I have made the difficult decision to recommend to the School Committee that the Mission Hill K-8 School close in June 2022 at the end of this school year. I will ask the School Committee to meet in a special session next week to vote on the recommendation.

Nothing about this decision is easy. We understand the disruption families will face as they choose a new school that best matches their childrens’ needs. We also know that the Mission Hill community might be divided on the appropriate next steps that should be taken. However, as the investigative findings make clear, the culture of the school, which allowed these events to continue over time, is beyond repair. Furthermore, the lack of accountability shown by school leadership leaves no hope that simple changes in leadership or governance structure would address the pervasive, underlying issues that contributed to the unsafe conditions at the school.

BPS is committed to minimizing the upheaval that Mission Hill families will experience, and will work closely with them to facilitate the smoothest transition possible in the upcoming school year. To ensure the safety of students still enrolled at Mission Hill, the additional oversight and support measures implemented when the charges first came to light will continue throughout the remainder of the school year.

While this decision does not impact you or your school community, we are sharing the information with you as part of our commitment to transparency and accountability. This is a difficult moment for BPS, yet it pales when compared to the harm children experienced as a result of the school’s inaction. This moment demands decisive action. Our promise at BPS has always been to put students first, and in making this decision, we are keeping that promise.

In partnership,

​​​​​​​Dr. Brenda Cassellius
Superintendent

2,284 Views
Tags
  • Schools
  • Boston Public Schools
  • Dr. Brenda Cassellius
  • Mission Hill K-8 School
Previous Post
Two Cars Crash Through Papercuts' Storefront
Next Post
Visual & Musical Installations Adopt and Adapt Concert Features Jamaica Plain Artists on April 30

JAMAICA PLAIN EVENTS

Loading view.
  • September 2023

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

2 events, 28

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

August 28 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at Arnold Arboretum

August 28 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday in August, 6:30pm https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this weekly evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection. Facilitator Bob Linscott will guide the group through 30 minutes of […]

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

1 event, 3

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

June through September: Every Sunday at 5pm In the Eliot Schoolyard, 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain New this year: Beer Garden by The Hive, 4-7pm Bring your own seats. All are […]

1 event, 4

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

September 4 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

September Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter

September 7 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

September Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter

The September Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter will be held Thursday at 5:30 pm on the lawn of the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, 633 Centre Street […]

0 events, 8

1 event, 9

12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

11th Jamaica Plain Music Festival

September 9 @ 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

11th Jamaica Plain Music Festival

The 11th Jamaica Plain Music Festival at Pinebank Field is Sept. 9 from noon to 7 pm. The festival is free and includes 7 hours of continuous music on two […]

1 event, 10

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

June through September: Every Sunday at 5pm In the Eliot Schoolyard, 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain New this year: Beer Garden by The Hive, 4-7pm Bring your own seats. All are […]

2 events, 11

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stonybrook Neighborhood Association Meeting

September 11 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stonybrook Neighborhood Association Meeting

The SNA is made up of residents living or owning property on the following streets: Brookley, Rossmore, Williams, Gartland, Kenton, Shurland, Dungarven, Stedman, Plainfield, Meehan, Stonley, Lotus, Burnett, Rockvale and […]

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

September 11 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

0 events, 12

0 events, 13

0 events, 14

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

1 event, 17

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 17 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

June through September: Every Sunday at 5pm In the Eliot Schoolyard, 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain New this year: Beer Garden by The Hive, 4-7pm Bring your own seats. All are […]

1 event, 18

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

September 18 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

0 events, 19

0 events, 20

0 events, 21

0 events, 22

0 events, 23

2 events, 24

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

JPHS Presents: A History of Allandale

September 24 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

JPHS Presents: A History of Allandale

The section of Jamaica Plain we refer to as Allandale has quite an interesting history. Once a rural farming area it still includes Boston’s only working farm. Centre Street has […]

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

June through September: Every Sunday at 5pm In the Eliot Schoolyard, 24 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain New this year: Beer Garden by The Hive, 4-7pm Bring your own seats. All are […]

1 event, 25

6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

September 25 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

Every Monday, July 10 through September 25. 6:30-7:00pm in July and August; 6:00-6:30pm in September https://arboretum.harvard.edu/events-2/meditation-mondays/ Unwind with this 30-minute, evening meditation under the shade of the maple collection at […]

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 1

August 28
August 28 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

August 28 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 3
September 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 4
September 4 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 7
September 7 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

September Vigil in Support of Black Lives Matter

  • There are no events on this day.
September 9
September 9 @ 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm

11th Jamaica Plain Music Festival

September 10
September 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 11
September 11 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Stonybrook Neighborhood Association Meeting

September 11 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 17
September 17 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 18
September 18 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
September 24
September 24 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

JPHS Presents: A History of Allandale

September 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

In the Eliot Schoolyard

September 25
September 25 @ 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Meditation Mondays at the Arnold Arboretum

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
View Calendar

Recent Comments

Tweets by @02130News

ABOUT JAMAICA PLAIN NEWS

Jamaica Plain News is an independent online news source and community platform for the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

David Ertischek

Our publisher David Ertischek has been a community journalist for more than 18 years. He has been the editor and reporter for local newspapers and websites. He has lived in Jamaica Plain since 2002. His favorite thing about Jamaica Plain is the Arnold Arboretum.

Jamaica Plain News is supported by advertising from local businesses. Please click here to learn more about advertising on Jamaica Plain News or email David Ertischek at david@jamaicaplainnews.com.

Other Recent Posts

  • Proposed Renovations to Centre Street Apartment Building Would Keep 97% Affordability

  • Mario’s Restaurant Coming to Hyde Square

  • Photo: Raccoon Bumbling Along in Sumner Hill

  • National Women’s Soccer League Announces Boston Franchise to Play at White Stadium

  • This Weekend: 30th Jamaica Plain Open Studios Includes 30 Public Art Installations

  • Photos: Construction of the Southwest Corridor Rail Lines from 1980s

  • The Footlight Club’s ‘Stepping Out’ Opens Sept. 16

  • Bridle Path Reimagined: 2023 Hunnewell Internship Project

  • FoMu Closing Jamaica Plain Store on September 18

  • Weber and King Advance to Face Off in November 7th Election

  • Jamaica Plain Pianist Olivia Perez-Collelllmir’s Latin Jazz Album Debuting Sept. 15

  • What You Need to Know: Boston City Council District 6 Election

  • Councilor Lara Says Report Shows She Was Driving Half The Speed Police Allege When She Crashed

  • Opetubo’s ‘Wallpaper’ Exhibit Now on Display at Jamaica Plain Branch Library

  • Boston’s Latin Quarter Welcomes Latinx Heritage Month with Comparsa and Outdoor Theater

Get Our Free Daily Newsletter

© Copyright 2023, Jamaica Plain News

Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News.

Back to top ↑