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Flynn vs. South Boston

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Mayor Ray Flynn has promised to integrate public housing projects in South Boston and to put a stop to discriminatory practices by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). African American families have been passed over on the waiting list for apartments in South Boston housing projects. Flynn's plans to integrate public housing have angered his constituents in South Boston, who refer to housing integration as "forced housing." Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of white residents of a South Boston housing project and by footage of South Boston residents during the busing crisis in 1974. Vaillancourt reports that Flynn and Doris Bunte of the BHA attended a community meeting in South Boston to talk about housing integration with South Boston residents. Flynn defends himself against the hostile comments of South Boston residents. City Councilor James Kelly addresses the meeting, denouncing housing integration. Interview with Neil Sullivan, policy advisor to Flynn who talks about public housing integration and Flynn's relationship with South Boston residents.
1:00:02: Visual: Shot of a white woman standing at the entrance to a housing project building in South Boston. Audio of Neil Sullivan (Policy Advisor to Mayor Ray Flynn) saying that the people of South Boston understand discrimination. Meg Vaillancourt reports that residents of South Boston may understand discrimination; that some residents of South Boston also practice discrimination. Vaillancourt reports that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) discriminates against African American families; that no African American families live in any of the three public housing projects in South Boston. V: Shots of a white woman looking out of a window of an apartment in a housing project; of the Old Colony Housing Project in South Boston; of a sign reading, "Old Colony Public Housing Development." Shots of white project residents outside of a project building. Vaillancourt reports that African American families were passed over on the waiting list for project apartments in South Boston; that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) has promised to integrate the public housing projects in South Boston. Vaillancourt notes that Flynn met with angry South Boston residents at a community meeting yesterday evening. V: Footage of Flynn addressing the crowd at the community meeting. South Boston residents are crowded into the room, seated at long tables. Doris Bunte (BHA) is on stage with Flynn. Flynn says that the issue is fair and equal access to public housing. Shot of a bumper sticker reading, "Stop 'forced' housing." Vaillancourt reports that the slogan, "Stop forced housing" evokes memories of the anti-busing protests in South Boston in the 1970s. V: Footage of school buses pulling up to South Boston High School in September of 1973. Angry South Boston residents yell and jeer at the buses. Vaillancourt reports that South Boston residents are angry about the integration of the area's three public housing projects. V: Shot of a white woman in the audience making an angry remark. Footage of James Kelly (Boston City Council) addressing the crowd. Kelly says that South Boston residents are going to be denied the right to live in public housing in their own neighborhood. Members of the crowd stand and cheer. Meg Vaillancourt reports that the controversy surrounding the integration of public housing projects creates an identity crisis for Flynn; that Flynn is in disagreement with his South Boston neighbors. V: Shot of Flynn walking to the stage at the community meeting. The crowd yells and boos Flynn. Vaillancourt notes that an audience member asked Flynn when he was moving to Roxbury. V: Shots of white female audience member standing to address Flynn; of another audience member raising her hand. Footage of Flynn saying that he and his family were born and raised in South Boston. The audience jeers. Footage of Sullivan saying that Flynn was probably hurt by the attitude of South Boston residents last night; that Flynn has never ducked this sort of confrontation. Sullivan says that Flynn could have refused to go to the meeting. Vaillancourt reports that Sullivan said that the public housing projects in South Boston could begin to be integrated by April. Vaillancourt notes that no whites will be forced to move out of the projects in order to achieve integration. V: Shot of an African American man raking leaves outside of a project building; of a white female project resident speaking to a reporter. Shots of a public housing project in South Boston; of Flynn at the community meeting; of Bunte addressing the community meeting. Footage of Flynn saying that no person will be displaced to serve the purposes of integration. Footage of Sullivan being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Sullivan says that the average Boston housing development has a turnover rate of 10% each year; that 10% is a higher turnover rate than most neighborhoods. Sullivan says that the goal of the Flynn administration is to sustain a good quality of life in the public housing projects. Shots of a white woman and white children in front of a project building; of a young white boy running around outside of a project building.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/13/1988

Marion Fahey on Hyde Park High

Description: Marion Fahey (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) holds a press conference on the closing of Hyde Park High after a disturbance. She says that the her staff is investigating the situation and will respond to a list of complaints drawn up by the faculty of the high school. Fahey says that the school faculty is concerned about disruptive students and renovations to the building. She will not comment on whether the disturbance was caused by racial tension. Fahey says that Elvira "Pixie" Palladino (Boston School Committee) had a right to visit the school. Fahey will not comment on the effect of Palladino's presence on the disturbance. Ann Foley (administrative assistant to Fahey) and Associate Superintendents Charles Leftwich and Paul Kennedy are also present at the press conference.
0:00:45: Visual: Media are gathered at Boston Schools Information Center as Marion Fahey (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools), Charles Leftwich (Associate Superintendent, Boston Public Schools), Ann Foley (administrative assistant to Fahey), and Paul Kennedy (Associate Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) seat themselves. Foley says that Fahey will speak about the situation at Hyde Park High School. She requests the media to confine their questions to that situation. 0:01:26: V: Fahey announces that classes at Hyde Park High School will be suspended on the following day; that a group of officials and administrators will be convened to plan for the reopening of the school. Reporters ask questions about the school closing. Fahey says that Kennedy and Leftwich visited Hyde Park High School to confer with faculty, administrators, members of the biracial counsel and members of the Home and School Association. Fahey says that she made the decision to close the school based on information from that visit. Fahey says that Hyde Park faculty is preparing a list of concerns and problems which need to be addressed. Fahey says that the following day will be spent planning and addressing concerns about the school. Fahey says that she has not decided whether to request a larger police presence at Hyde Park High School. 0:03:32: V: Fahey says that she will not comment on the situation at the school until she has all of the information. Fahey says that she will determine tomorrow evening if the school will reopen on Friday. Fahey says that the school will reopen when the safety of the students can be guaranteed. Fahey says that damage to the building will be repaired before the school reopens. Fahey says that the incidents at Hyde Park were deplorable and that the situation at the school will be addressed. Fahey says that she does not know how many arrests were made; that her staff is investigating the situation in order to make a full report to her. 0:05:52: V: A reporter asks Fahey to comment on overcrowded classes and the closing of the top floor of the school. Leftwich says that some classrooms on the top floor are being refurbished; that the superintendent's staff is investigating the situation; that these complaints may have contributed to the situation at Hyde Park. Fahey says that she will not speculate on whether racial issues were the cause of the disturbance; that she will investigate the causes of the disturbance. Fahey says that her staff will assess the situation tomorrow and make plans to prevent such incidents in the future. Fahey says that she had not known about the concerns about Hyde Park faculty members before today; that faculty are concerned about disruptive students and renovations to the school building. Fahey says that students had been dismissed from school when she arrived there. Fahey says that she would address the students by saying that the faculty at Hyde Park is concerned about their well-being and education; that the biracial counsel will work hard to resolve problems at the school; that her administration is dedicated to resolving the situation at the school. 0:10:18: V: A reporter asks Fahey if Elvira "Pixie" Palladino played a destructive role in the situation at Hyde Park. Fahey says that Palladino had a right to be at the school as a member of the school committee; that she has not spoken to Palladino about the situation. A reporter asks Fahey if she is concerned that the concerns of Hyde Park faculty have not been addressed. Fahey says that she will investigate the situation. Fahey declines to answer a question unrelated to the situation at Hyde Park. She thanks the media and leaves the room with Leftwich, Kennedy, and Foley. Reporters talk among themselves as they clear the room. Shot of Fahey heading down a hallway toward the exit.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/21/1976

Phase III desegregation order

Description: Press conference on the court-ordered plan for Phase III desegregation of the Boston Public Schools. Elvira "Pixie" Palladino (Boston School Committee), Charles Leftwich (Associate Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) and John Nucci (East Boston community activist) are among the interested parties and reporters in attendance. Attendees read over the court order. Robert Dentler (Dean of Education, Boston University) and Marvin Scott (Associate Dean of Education, Boston University) review the court order. They discuss efforts to desegregate Boston kindergartens. They announce the opening of the Mattahunt Elementary School and Madison Park High School. Smith and Dentler discuss the decision to close the McKinley School, the Storrow School and the Higginson Elementary School, because they remain segregated despite all efforts to integrate the student population.
0:00:13: Visual: People are seating themselves in a lecture hall before a press conference about the court-ordered plan for Phase III desegregation of Boston Public Schools. Elvira "Pixie" Palladino sits with several white women at a table at the front of the room. Walt Sanders (WBZ reporter) reads the paper at his seat, also near the front of the room. Charles Leftwich (Associate Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) greets people as they enter the room. The media set up cameras to record the press conference. 0:03:20: V: Marvin Scott (Associate Dean of Education, Boston University) and Robert Dentler (Dean of Education, Boston University) seat themselves at the front of the room. The moderator announces that copies of the court-ordered Phase III desegregation plan will be passed out. Audience members approach him for copies of the report. Scott and Dentler wait as the moderator passes out the report. 0:05:51: V: The moderator introduces Dentler and Scott, and says that they will answer questions about the report. Dentler and Scott are seated at a table with microphones. They quietly confer with one another and check their watches. The press conference attendees quietly read over the report. John Nucci (East Boston community activist) quietly studies it. Leftwich flips through the report. An attendee asks Dentler how the plan will affect East Boston. Dentler says that he will answer questions after the attendees have had a chance to read over the report. 0:09:49: V: Smith says that the court order for Phase III desegregation focuses on stability and continuity. He says that he and Dentler will review the order and then take questions. Smith says that a third theme of the court order is the disengagement of the court from the schools. Smith refers to the court order and explains some statistics. He points out how some school assignments have changed from last year to this year. He makes reference to the assignment of students to examination schools. Dentler notes that kindergarten classrooms in Boston have never been desegregated; that neighborhood kindergarten classrooms remain more accessible to white students than to African American students; that fewer minority students enter kindergarten. Dentler adds that the Phase III desegregation plan aims to increase accessibility to neighborhood kindergarten for all; that some students will be assigned to citywide magnet kindergartens for desegregation purposes; that magnet kindergarten assignments are made with the idea that children will stay in the same building for the elementary school grades. Dentler says that the goal of kindergarten desegregation was first stated in the original court order. Smith mentions some of the details of student assignments to District 9 schools. Dentler says that the court aims to stabilize the high student turnover rate. He names the deadlines for initial assignments and corrective assignments of students. Dentler notes the statistic that one in three students transfers from one school to another under the current plan; that there will be limitations on student transfers. Dentler says that a high turnover rate is detrimental to classroom learning. Smith announces the opening of the Mattahunt Elementary School and Madison Park High School. Dentler announces the closings of four schools. He says that the McKinley School, the Storrow School, and the Higginson Elementary School will be closed because they have remained segregated despite all efforts to integrate the student population. Dentler notes that alternative plans to desegregate these schools are infeasible or unconstitutional; that the student populations in these schools are small. Dentler notes that there are 60 students enrolled in the McKinley School; that there are less than 100 students enrolled in the Storrow School; that there are less than 150 students at the Higginson School, not including kindergarten students.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/06/1977

King Flynn debate, Part 2

Description: Mayoral candidates Ray Flynn and Mel King participate in a forum on education sponsored by the Citywide Education Coalition (CWEC) at English High School. Flynn says that students graduating from Boston public schools must be prepared to compete in the workplace. He adds that there must be a working relationship between parents, teachers, administrators, and the community. King speaks about the workings of the school administration and advocates the inclusion of parents in the process. King and Flynn respond to questions about how they would have handled school desegregation if they had been mayor at the time. Both candidates answer questions about the role of the mayor upon the court's withdrawal from its supervisory role over the school system and about the school budget. Audience members include John O'Bryant of the Boston School Committee. Tape 2 of 2.
1:00:00: Visual: Ray Flynn (candidate for mayor of Boston) speaks at a forum on education sponsored by the Citywide Education Coalition (CWEC) at English High School. The candidates' forum is held in conjuction with their annual meeting. Flynn says that students graduating from Boston public schools must be able to compete in the workplace. Long shot of candidates on stage from the back of the auditorium. Flynn says that there must be a working relationship between parents, teachers, administrators and the community. The audience applauds. 1:00:56: V: King speaks about the workings of the school administration. Jump cut in the videotape. Shots of John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee); of members of the audience. King says that parents must be included in the workings of the school system. Shot of the candidates on stage. An audience member asks what each candidate would have done about school desegregation if he had been mayor at the time. The audience member also asks about the role of the mayor when the court pulls withdraws from its supervisory role over the school system. King says that community control over schools is important; that community accountablility is an important aspect of community control; that members of the community must be held accountable for the state of neighborhood schools. King says that he had suggested a community approach to schools which could have prevented the kind of sweeping court order imposed by the federal court to accomplish school desegregation. King says that he would have tried to bring people together in support of school desegregation if he had been mayor at the time; that there were many people acting in opposition to the court order at the time of school desegregation. King says that he would provide leadership on the issue of quality, integrated education upon the withdrawal of the court. 1:05:08: V: Flynn responds to the same question about school desegregation. Flynn notes that the State Department of Education will continue to oversee the Boston Public School System after the withdrawal of the court. Flynn says that he will work with the State Department of Education to protect the Constitutional rights of public schoolchildren in Boston. Flynn says that political and moral leadership was absent during school desegregation in Boston. Flynn says that he would have defended the rights and the safety of Boston schoolchildren as mayor, even if he disagreed with the court order. Flynn notes that he was a state legislator at the time of school desegregation; that he was criticized at the time for standing up for his beliefs; that he was criticized for living in a certain community; that he acted responsibly on behalf of all of Boston's schoolchildren at the time. 1:07:15: V: An audience member asks about the school budget. Flynn says that it is important to educate children; that it is more expensive to remedy social problems resulting from poor education. Flynn says that he supported funding for Boston schools even when it was politically unpopular to do so; that he is committed to providing the necessary funds to assure a good school system. Flynn says that accountability is as important as funding; that the school system has too many administrators. King responds to the same question. King says that he is aware of the lack of resources available to teachers and students in the Boston Public School System; that the lack of resources is embarrassing for a school system with a large budget; that the school administrators must make a commitment to provide resources for students and teachers.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/13/1983

Common Ground, Part 2

Description: Author J. Anthony Lukas addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of Lukas's novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Lukas talks about how the three families portrayed in his book represent the main elements of the coalition that formed around John F. Kennedy (former US President) in 1960. Lukas talks about the breakdown of that coalition. Lukas says that both race and class need to be considered when analyzing the busing crisis in Boston. Lukas says that Boston's middle and upper classes were largely exempt from busing; he adds that the legal system does not recognize social class as a relevant category. Lukas talks about the importance of school integration by race and social class. He notes that Arthur Garrity (federal judge) should not be made a scapegoat for his actions. Lukas says that Boston is a better city as a result of the busing crisis. He says that people must continue to struggle for social justice. Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly) addresses the meeting. Beatty talks about the history of the civil rights movement. He talks about white voters who felt alienated by the Democratic Party's support for the civil rights movement. Beatty says that a backlash against the civil rights movement combined with a failing economy caused many white voters to vote for the Republican Party in the 1970s. Beatty notes that many South Boston residents have voted Republican since the busing crisis. Beatty talks about the importance of civil rights legislation and says that the civil rights movement will help us to achieve a more just society. Panelists at the meeting include Beatty, Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe). Tape 2 of 8
0:59:58: Visual: J. Anthony Lukas (author) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the release of the book, Common Ground by Lukas . Lukas speaks from a podium. Panelists are assembled at tables on either side of the podium. Panelists include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former editor, The Boston Globe). Lukas talks about the McGoff, Twymon and Diver families portrayed in the book. Lukas mentions Colin Diver's admiration for John F. Kennnedy (former US President). Lukas talks about how the three families represent elements of the Kennedy coalition on 1960. Lukas says that the coalition fell apart during the busing crisis in Boston. Lukas recalls the antagonism felt by Boston Irish Catholics toward Edward Kennedy (US Senator) during the busing crisis. Lukas asks what happened to the coalition which had formed around John F. Kennedy. Lukas asks if the groups represented by the three families can find "common ground." Lukas says that his research has not led him to take sides on the issues; that his research has revealed the complexity of the issues. Lukas says that the "liberal agenda of the 1960s and 1970s" did not focus enough on class issues. Lukas adds that race and class need to be considered when analyzing the busing crisis in Boston. Lukas notes that Boston was on the brink of "racial war." Lukas mentions the attack on Theodore Landsmark (attorney) at City Hall Plaza. Lukas adds that the Boston Public School System was clearly segregated; that the Boston School Committee flagrantly violated the law in refusing to desegregate. Lukas says that Arthur Garrity (federal judge) had no choice but to order a remedy for the segregated schools; that Garrity deserves gratitude and respect from the city of Boston. Lukas notes that there was "a pervasive class bias" in the court orders issued by the judge. Lukas talks about the Supreme Court Decision (Milliken v. Bradley), which hampered Garrity from ordering a metropolitan busing plan. Lukas notes that Thurgood Marshall (US Supreme Court Justice) wrote a scathing dissent from the decision. Lukas says that Boston's middle and upper classes were largely exempt from busing. Lukas adds that the poor and vulnerable students were subject to the court orders during the busing crisis. Lukas talks about the need for integration by social class and by race. Lukas says that opponents to busing were able to exploit class resentment to strengthen resistance to busing. Lukas notes that poor Irish Catholics in Boston resented middle- and upper-class Irish Catholics more than they resented African Americans. 1:05:58: Visual: Lukas says that Garrity could not consider social class in the court orders; that the legal system does not recognize social class as a relevant category. Lukas says that the fourteenth amendment of the Constitution does not protect the poor. Lukas says that minorities have a right to sue for protection under the law. Lukas adds that the adversarial legal system is not the ideal system for achieving social progress. Lukas says that the court orders in the Boston school desegregation case resulted in desegregated schools; that the court orders did not achieve social justice. Lukas says that Garrity should not be made a "scapegoat for our own faintheartedness." Lukas says that the wealthy and powerful must stop putting the burden of integration on the poor and the young. Lukas talks about the beneficial effects of the court orders in Boston. Lukas says that Boston is a more "mature and united city" as a result of the busing crisis. Lukas says that US citizens must continue to fight for social justice. Lukas decries the "self-pitying mood" of liberals. Lukas says that many liberal programs from the 1960s and 1970s were successful; that some failed only because of a lack of resources. Lukas talks about the gulf between liberals and the working class in the 1960s and 1970s. Lukas talks about the the need for these groups to build coalitions and find "common ground." The audience applauds. 1:11:07: Visual: Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe) introduces Jack Beatty. Beatty talks about the evolution of John F. Kennedy's position on civil rights in the 1960s. Beatty mentions John Kennedy's commitment to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Beatty says that many of John Kennedy's advisors counseled him against the sponsorship of civil rights' legislation; that John Kennedy's advisors feared a backlash by white voters. Beatty quotes John Kennedy's speech advocating the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Beatty says that African Americans voted overwhelmingly for the Democratic Party in 1968; that many white voters switched their allegiance to the Republican Party. Beatty notes that most South Boston voters supported Hubert Humphrey (Democratic candidate for the US Presidency) in the primary elections of 1968. Beatty notes that South Boston has voted Republican since the busing crisis. Beatty adds that the median income in South Boston in 1980 was less than $11,000 per year. Beatty notes that forced busing was one of the issues which drove South Boston residents to vote for the Republican Party. Beatty says that that white Southerners tend to vote for the Republican Party; that racial issues are just as explosive in the North as they are in the South. Beatty accuses Republican leaders of exploiting race issues in debates over the federal budget; that Republican leaders have painted welfare as "relief for the black poor." Beatty adds that government aid to the middle classes costs more money than welfare programs. Beatty accuses Republican leaders of exploiting the white backlash against civil rights and racial issues. Beatty talks about the role of the failing economy in the demise of the Democratic Party. Beatty talks about the effects of inflation and unemployment on the white underclass. Beatty says that many anti-busing protesters were frustrated by their own circumstances of poverty and unemployment. Beatty talks about the ill effects of segregated schools on African American school children. Beatty talks about "the tragic spectacle" of the busing crisis. Beatty says that John Kennedy would have proceeded with civil rights' legislation, even if he could have foreseen the demise of the Democratic Party and the onset of the busing crisis in Boston. Beatty says that John Kennedy would have had the courage and vision to support the legislation; that John Kennedy would have realized the importance of civil rights' legislation. Beatty says that civil rights' legislation will allow us to achieve a just and integrated society.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985

Charlestown High environs

Description: Charlestown environs. Charlestown High School and Monument Square, Bartletts Street, Bunker Hill Street and St. Francis de Sales Church. Children ride bicycles in Monument Square. People are gathered in the park beside St. Francis de Sales Church. Shot from the park of the port. Racist, white supremacist and antibusing graffiti is visible on buildings on Medford and Main Streets. Shots of Medford and Main Streets. Pedestrians walking along streets. Children play at a playground. Audio goes in and out.
0:00:23: Visual: Shot across Monument Square of Charlestown High School. Shot of the top of the building, including school name carved into the stone. A broken window at the school has been patched up. The streets around Monument Square are quiet. A child rides his bike along the street. Shots of Bartlett Street, beside the school; of the Bunker Hill Monument. 0:05:35: V: Children ride their bikes in Monument Square. Shots of Bartlett Street; of racist graffiti on a building on Concord Street; of Concord Street. 0:09:24: V: Shot of Bartlett Street. Traveling shot up Bartlett Street. Traveling shot continues on to Elm Street and on to Bunker Hill Street. Traveling shot continues up Bunker Hill Street. Shot of St. Francis de Sales church. Cars are parked along both sides of Bunker Hill Street. An older man walks slowly along the sidewalk and stops in front of one of the houses. Two young men walk down the sidewalk of Bunker Hill Street. 0:14:26: V: Teenagers are gathered in the park beside St. Francis de Sales church. A group of people sit on steps in the park, looking at the view of the port. Gas tanks and industrial ships are visible in the port. Long shot of park and the port. Children play in the playground at the park. Shot of two children on swings with wrought iron fence in foreground. Shot of older man on a park bench with wrought iron fence in foreground. A girl takes a drink from a water fountain. 0:17:43: V: Traveling shot of Medford Street. Shot of a garage on Medford Street with white supremacist and antibusing graffiti. Traveling shot of Main Street. Mishawum Park apartments are visible. An older man sits with another person on the stoop of a dilapidated building. Shot of white supremacist and antibusing graffiti on a building at the corner of Essex and Main Streets. Video is distorted at end of tape.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/18/1976

Jerome Wynegar

Description: South Boston High School exterior. Background comments of pedestrians talking to camera operator and reporter. Pam Bullard interviews headmaster Jerome Wynegar on what programs his school will offer, including core curriculum and vocational education. Wynegar says racial problems have been aggravated by outside agitators. He adds that the school is enrolled to capacity, and cannot accommodate students who wish to return after dropping out. He says that the school should make sure to listen to the suggestions of the students, and those students who dropped out, to try to improve the school. He commends the faculty. Additional comments from Wynegar as they shoot cutaways. Shots of graffiti painted on pavement, which reads “Stop Forced Busing.” Several takes of reporter voice over and standup.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/17/1976

Arthur Garrity on parent involvement

Description: Low quality sound at the beginning of the video. Judge Arthur Garrity speaks at a community meeting, calling for better communication among organizations involved in the school desegregation process. He takes questions about the role of the Citywide Coordinating Council (CCC) and the organization of community forums to invite feedback on schools. Garrity talks about setting up hearings about the school desegregation plan for the 1976-77 school year. Audience members express confusion at the roles of the CCC and the Citywide Parents Advisory Council (CPAC). Garrity explains the role of the Racial Ethnic Parents Councils, set up through the CPAC. Garrity reads a letter about problems which need to be resolved at the Blackstone Elementary School. Hubie Jones (African American community activist) sits beside Garrity at the meeting
1:00:00: Audio on tape is muffled. Visual: Arthur Garrity (federal judge) speaks before a biracial community meeting about Boston schools and court-ordered desegregation. Garrity speaks about the importance of good communication between the organizations involved in the schools. He says that the parents on the Citywide Parents Advisory Council (CPAC) are interested in working with the Citywide Coordinating Council (CCC) in organizing meetings about the schools. Garrity closes his talk by saying that he is offering suggestions, not directives. Hubert Jones (African American community activist) informally thanks Garrity. Garrity sits down in a chair next to Jones. 1:02:43: V: Garrity takes questions from audience members. Garrity responds to a question, saying that he will consult with all of the lawyers involved in the school desegregation case before putting anything into the court order; that he will schedule a series of hearings for the 1976-77 school year. Garrity says that the hearings might be held in late February or early March. A meeting member asks Garrity to comment on the group's idea to hold community forums in the neighborhoods, so that parents can give suggestions and air their grievances. Garrity agrees that the community hearings are a good idea. He suggests that a few members of the CCC and the CPAC should be present at the forums; that these members should be well informed in order to combat inaccurate information and false rumors; that members should feel free to ask him for the statistics and facts before going to the hearings. A meeting member asks Garrity if the CCC should have an attorney present for the court hearings. Garrity says that the CCC is not a party to the lawsuit; that the CCC might be seen as a distraction in the court. The member asks how the CCC can get feedback from the court. Garrity says that he is looking for constructive proposals for changes in the desegregation plan; that he hopes the community forums will provide these constructive proposals for change. Garrity adds that he receives other reports which do not call for action. A meeting member asks how Garrity would define the role of the CCC. Garrity says that he appreciates the efforts of CCC mediators in diffusing the tense situation in South Boston; that the most important function of the CCC is to monitor how the desegregation plan is carried out across the city. 1:13:41: V: A meeting member tells Garrity that members of the community see the CCC as a council which can take action and solve problems. Garrity responds that the CCC can publicize information and draw attention to problems. Garrity reads a letter that he received about problems at the Blackstone School. Garrity says that he hopes the CCC can delegate members to investigate problems at the schools in order to get them resolved. Garrity says that he would like the CCC to help solve these problems; that he would rather not try to resolve problems at individual schools through the court order. An audience member says that there is some confusion regarding the roles of the CCC and the CPAC. Garrity says that the Racial Ethnic Parents Councils under the CPAC exist to promote communication on racial issues in the schools; that the councils have also taken action on educational issues in the schools. Garrity notes that the CPAC has no staff or resources; that the CCC can support the CPAC and the Racial Ethnic Parents Councils. Garrity refers to a decision by the US Court of Appeals regarding the schools.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/14/1976

History of Laval Wilson's tenure

Description: Hope Kelly reviews the major events and key issues during the tenure of Boston superintendent of schools Laval Wilson. The Boston School Committee has voted to remove him from his post. Kelly adds that there are racial overtones in the vote to dismiss Wilson. Kelly notes that Wilson's opponents are all white. Kelly reviews Wilson's interview and selection, his record and the school bus drivers' strike. Kelly also discusses the school consolidation controversy and his contract renewal in 1989. The Boston Public Schools experienced a rise in achievement test scores and a decrease in the dropout rate under Wilson. Kelly's report is accompanied by footage illustrating these events during Wilson's tenure. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Controversy surrounds the Boston School Committee's decision to fire Laval Wilson and Meg Vaillancourt interviews Nthabiseng Mabuza about the release of Nelson Mandela
1:00:04: Visual: Footage of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) being interviewed by Eileen Jones (WGBH reporter) on July 19, 1985. Wilson says that he wants to convince the Boston Public School community that he is the best person for the job of superintendent. Shots of posters prepared by Wilson for his presentation to the Boston School Committee; of Wilson adjusting the position of the charts. Hope Kelly reports that Wilson interviewed for the position of superintendent in July of 1985. Kelly notes that Wilson showed little charisma; that he was well prepared for the interview. V: Footage of Wilson being interviewed by the Boston School Committee in the School Committee chambers on July 19, 1985. Wilson says that his planning skills are excellent. Shots of Wilson and the members of the School Committee. Kelly reports that Wilson stressed his planning skills; that Wilson was self-confident and stubborn. Kelly notes that Wilson did not mention his people skills or his passion. V: Footage of Wilson being interviewed by Jones on July 19, 1985. Wilson repeats that he classified himself "as a school superintendent." Shot of Wilson during his interview with the School Committee. Kelly reports that Wilson never made any reflections on race. V: Footage of Wilson being interviewed by the School Committee on July 19, 1985. Wilson says that he is an educator who happens to be African American. Footage of the members of the School Committee as they cast their votes for the position of superintendent on July 31, 1985. Jean McGuire (Boston School Committee) votes for Dr. Peter Negroni (candidate for superintendent of schools). School Committee members John O'Bryant and Thomas O'Reilly vote for Wilson. Kelly notes that Wilson had held the position of superintendent of schools in Rochester, New York, and Berkeley, California. Kelly reports that the Boston School Committee voted nine-to-four in favor of hiring Wilson. Kelly reports that Wilson became Boston's first African American superintendent of schools. Kelly adds that the Boston Public School System was rife with poverty and patronage in 1985. V: Footage from August 21, 1985. Wilson walks on Devonshire Street with a group of school officials, including John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee), Ellen Guiney (Citywide Education Coalition), John Grady (Boston School Committee), and Julio Henriquez (aide to School Committee member Daniel Burke). Footage of Wilson at a press conference of May 12, 1987. Wilson says that 20% of first-graders did not pass first grade last year. Kelly reports that a bus strike paralyzed the school system in Wilson's fourth month on the job. Kelly notes that students and parents became enraged at Wilson's plan to consolidate schools. V: Shot of buses parked outside of South Boston High School. African American students walk among the buses. Shot of a group of angry protesters. Shots of students and parents protesting outside of the Boston School Committee headquarters on Court Street. The students and parents hold signs. Shot of a jacket being held up in the air. Writing on the jacket reads, "Save our school." Kelly reports that Wilson threatened to resign over the school consolidation issue; that Wilson pursued a job offer from the New York City Public School System in 1987. Kelly notes that Wilson receives a salary of nearly $100,000 per year. Kelly adds that there were questions about his performance. V: Shot of Wilson at a press conference. Footage from a Boston School Committee meeting on October 11, 1988. Shot of Daniel Burke (Boston School Committee). Shot of Wilson saying that progress is being made. Shot of the audience at the meeting. Kelly reports that progress is being made in the school system; that achievement scores are rising. Kelly notes that the drop-out rate has declined to its lowest level in eleven years. V: Shots of Wilson in an elementary school classroom; of Wilson and school officials walking through a high school corridor. Footage from a Boston School Committee on April 11, 1989. Don Muhammad (Muhammad's Mosque) addressing the members of the School Committee. Muhammad says that Wilson's contract should be renewed; that Wilson has begun to turn the school system around. Shots of audience members crowded into the School Committee chambers; of the School Commitee members in the School Committee chambers. Kelly reports that Wilson's contract was renewed in 1989; that Wilson survived by one vote. Kelly reports that Wilson did not receive a ringing endorsement from the Boston School Committee; that Wilson had wanted a four-year contract in 1989; that he did not receive one. Kelly notes that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) suggested abolishing the Boston School Committee during the summer of 1989. V: Footage of Flynn at a press conference in May of 1989. Flynn says that the present system fails the schoolchildren and parents of Boston. Shot of the members of the School Committee seated at the front of the School Committee chambers. Kelly reports that Flynn wanted to replace the elected school committee with an appointed school committee. V: Footage from July of 1985. Wilson sits at a press conference with Flynn, Edward Doherty (President, Boston Teachers Union), Peggy Davis-Mullen (Boston School Committee), Rita Walsh-Tomasini (Boston School Committee) and other school officials. The officials stand up and raise their linked hands. Kelly reports that the debate over the schools has become divisive and political. Kelly reports that Flynn took no questions about Wilson today; that Flynn released a short statement. V: Footage of Wilson being interviewed by the School Committee on July 19, 1985. Wilson says that issues are more important than skin color. Kelly stands outside of the headquarters of the Boston School Committee. Kelly notes that the situation has racial overtones. Kelly reports that an all-white majority on the School Committee has voted to remove an African American superintendent from a school system with a 75% non-white student population.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/14/1990

Robert Spillane and desegregation

Description: Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) speaks to an audience in the chambers of the Boston School Committee. He is introduced by Jean Sullivan McKeigue (President, Boston School Committee), who notes that the School Committee will vote on March 5 about whether to keep Spillane in the post of Superintendent. Spillane addresses the issues of school desegregation and school violence. Spillane says past students in Boston Public Schools had been denied a good education due to segregated schools and cynicism among educators. Spillane talks about the continued involvement of Arthur Garrity (federal judge) in the supervision of the Boston Public Schools. Spillane says that the Boston School Department must begin to take responsibility for school desegregation. Spillane reminds the audience that racial discrimination will not be tolerated in the Boston Public School system; that the climate in the schools must be improved. Spillane stresses the importance of faculty integration. Spillane talks about school discipline and the fair implementation of the disciplinary code. Spillane says that a monitoring process will assure that minority students are no longer singled out for disciplinary action. Spillane promises to establish a task force to investigate school violence. Spillane says that school desegregation will have been a failure if quality education cannot be assured. Spillane also talks about additional programs for students, teacher training, teacher evaluation and community involvement in the schools. John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee) is interviewed by the media after the speech. O'Bryant says that Spillane has addressed school desegregation in a courageous manner; that he will vote for Spillane on March 5.
1:00:04: Press and members of the community are gathered in the Boston School Committee chambers. Jean Sullivan McKeigue (President, Boston School Committee) enters the room and announces that the vote on the office of school superintendent will take place on March 5. McKeigue introduces Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools). Spillane enters the room and sits down. Spillane thanks McKeigue. He acknowledges the fact that the School Committee will be voting on whether to continue his superintendency. Spillane addresses the need for community involvement in Boston schools. Spillane says that he started as superintendent seven months ago; that he was aware of the social, fiscal and educational problems faced by Boston schools; that he has tried to provide constructive leadership. Spillane says that the schools are working with reduced resources; that he is trying to address the educational and social needs of nearly 60,000 students. Spillane refers to school desegregation across the nation. He says that Boston public school students had been denied a good education due to segregated schools and a cynicism among educators. Spillane says that he would like to address two problems today: school desegregation and school violence. Spillane talks about Judge Arthur Garrity's efforts to produce agreement among the parties in the Boston school desegregation case (Morgan v. Hennigan). He says that these agreements aim to secure the advances made by eight years of school desegregation; that these agreements would form the basis of a final set of court orders; that Garrity would cease to supervise the schools after these consent decrees were put in place. Spillane says that the consent decrees provide an opportunity to assess the progress made in school desegregation. Spillane reviews the state of the Boston Public School System before desegregation. Spillane says that he would like to eliminate racial inequality while improving educational quality. Spillane says that he would like to institute a long-range plan for the schools; that the plan would be presented to Garrity through the consent decree process. Spillane says that Boston schools must take responsibility for school desegregation; that equal educational opportunities must exist for all students; that the staff must be integrated as well as the students. Spillane says that the schools require strong leadership, a clear curriculum, conscientious teaching and a safe school climate. Spillane says that students must be prepared for higher education or the job market; that schools must work with parents to improve education. Spillane says that racial discrimination cannot be tolerated in and out of school; that he will not tolerate those who say that some children cannot learn. Spillane says that teachers must work hard to educate all children. Spillane says that he supports the integration of school faculty; that school staff must represent a cross-section of American society; that minority staff have been denied access to jobs in the past. Spillane says that African Americans and other minorities will be represented in key positions in the school administration. 1:10:44: Spillane says that youth violence is a problem in Boston's schools and neighborhoods. Spillane says that order must be kept in the schools; that alternative programs must be provided for all students in need of them. Spillane says that violence can stem from a lack of success in school; that school staff must help students to learn and achieve as best they can. Spillane says that fair and equitable disciplinary action must be assured; that minority students may have been singled out for disciplinary action in the past. Spillane says that he will set up a process to monitor disciplinary action and insure fair implementation of the disciplinary code. Spillane says that he will establish a task force to investigate school violence; that the task force can make recommendations on how to counter school violence. Spillane notes that students who are not taught to read and write are victims of another kind of violence; that some students are not encouraged to learn; that all students must be prepared to function as active and contributing members of society. Spillane says that desegregation will be rendered ineffective if quality education is not assured; that urban schools can make a difference in the lives of their students. Visual: Shot of a young African American boy who is fidgeting in the back of the room. Spillane says that teacher training is important. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane talks about alternative programs for students with special needs. V: Jump cut in videotape. Shots of audience from Spillane's perspective. Spillane says that a fair process of teacher evaluation will be implemented; that assistance and training must be given to teachers; that superior performance should be recognized and inferior performance should be addressed. V: Shot from the back of the room of Spillane addressing the audience. Spillane talks about the need for high academic standards. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane says that he will continue to work with the business community on employment and training programs for students. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane talks about the need for good vocational education programs. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane addresses the need for strong bilingual education programs. Spillane says that the programs must be assessed to assure that they are meeting the needs of the students. V: Jump cut in videotape. Spillane says that education must be a priority in the city; that civic leaders, parents and school administrators must work together to improve the schools; that all groups concerned about the schools must be listened to. V: Jump cut in videotape. The audience claps for Spillane. V: Jump cut in videotape. John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee) is interviewed by the media. He says that he is impressed with Spillane's growth since his stormy meeting with the school committee on February 8; that he will vote for Spillane. O'Bryant says that Spillane addressed school desegregation in a courageous manner; that very few high-profile officials talk about the beneficial effects of school desegregation in Boston; that few people give Garrity credit for instituting desegregation in Boston schools. O'Bryant says that he is optimistic about Spillane's ability to do the job. The media continues to question O'Bryant.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/02/1982