Eye On Education: Mayor's New Education Chief Seeking Changes
BOSTON (CBS) – There is new voice in the leadership of the Boston Public Schools.
Rahn Dorsey is the first appointee to the cabinet level position of "Chief of Education," which was created by Mayor Martin Walsh.
We met Dorsey at the Jeremiah Burke High School in Dorchester to talk about his new role.
"My position is to be as a trusted advisor to the school system and I am really concerned about having the right strategy, for promoting student excellence," Dorsey said.
Dorsey is a former nonprofit executive and management consultant.
One of the first places he will be looking to reform is Madison Park High School, the city's struggling vocational facility. Just last month, frustrated students walked out of school when they couldn't even get class schedules.
Dorsey said the current situation is inexcusable and has the attention of the Mayor.
"I am hoping that we will be able to draw on some of our industry leaders as well as some of our instructional leaders when we design what the learning experience is for young people there," he said.
Bringing in outsiders could upset unions, but Dorsey believes he can come to a compromise.
"I think there will be some sticky and contentious issues were labor is concerned, but I genuinely believe the BTU and other labor interests have the students best interests at heart," said Dorsey.
Dorsey added, "People hear me talk a lot about the design of the learning day, design of school. We need a redesign, a fundamental redesign that fits modern times."
When asked if significant change was on the way, Dorsey smiled and replied that he couldn't respond just yet.
Much of Boston is becoming a mix of empty nesters young professionals. Dorsey doesn't want to see people with school age children feel they have to move to the suburbs to get their children a quality education.
He told WBZ-TV that Boston has made great strides in early education and is now focusing on improving deficiencies in middle schools.
"I think that quality has gotten a little bit of a bad rap," he added.
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