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Laval Wilson and School Budget

Description: Marcus Jones reports that Dr. Laval Wilson, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools, has announced cuts to the school budget. Jones outlines the nature of the cost-saving measures and reports that additional cuts may be necessary. Wilson talks about the budget at a press conference. Interview with John Nucci, President of Boston School Committee, about Wilson's attempt to cut costs in the budget. Jones notes that the Boston School Committee has rejected Wilson's proposal to consolidate eight schools. School Committee meeting. This tape includes additional footage from the end of a news story on mental illness.
1:01:08: Marcus Jones reports that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) has announced cuts to the school budget. Visual: Shots of Wilson at a press conference; of an audience member looking at a handout of the budget. Footage of Wilson saying that he was faced with difficult decisions when he made the budget cuts. Shots of a list of names of school administrators targeted for layoffs. Jones reports that the superintendent submitted a $292 million budget last month; that the mayor had allotted $288 million for the school budget. Jones notes that the total for the new budget is $289.3 million; that more budget cuts may be necessary. V: Footage of Wilson saying that he has tried not to cut programs; that he has made minimal cuts in the school support staff. Shot of the printed cover of Wilson's preliminary budget. Jones reports that Wilson has recommended layoffs for 90 teachers, administrators and office workers; that Wilson has cut chosen not to implement a $2 million program geared toward reducing the school dropout rate; that Wilson had eliminated a $6 million request for repairs to aging school facilities. V: Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that Wilson has made a good effort to preserve educational programs while staying within the budget. Jones reports that the School Committee vetoed Wilson's proposal to cut costs by closing or consolidating eight schools. Jones notes that Wilson has made cuts elsewhere in the budget. V: Shots of audience members at a School Committee meeting. The audience members hold up signs protesting school closings. Shot of a sign reading, "JP is a pleasure because JP is a treasure." Shots of Wilson at the meeting. Footage of Nucci saying that the School Committee will not cut educational programs for at-risk youth; that the Boston Public Schools have an "astronomical dropout rate." Marcus Jones stands outside the offices of the Boston School Committee. Jones reports that the School Committee will discuss the new budget proposal next Tuesday; that members of the public will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed budget.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/14/1986

Laval Wilson and bus driver strike

Description: A group of school bus drivers stand in the lobby of a building. They protest as police officers tell them to leave the building. One of the bus drivers demands to be let into a press conference to be given by Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools). The bus driver negotiates with school officials, who decide to let him attend the press conference. The bus driver promises not to be disruptive. Wilson speaks at the press conference. Wilson says that school attendance was low because of a strike by school bus drivers. Wilson refers to a chart with school attendance figures. Wilson talks about the bus drivers' strike. He says that an agreement cannot be reached until the drivers rescind their outrageous economic demands. Wilson describes these economic demands. Wilson adds that the union members do not support the strike. He demands the union leaders to let the membership vote on the proposed contract by secret ballot. Wilson answers questions from the media about the strike. Wilson says that the Boston School Department will not hire substitutes to drive the buses. Wilson notes that the School Department cannot afford the economic demands of the bus drivers. He reviews the estimated costs of the bus drivers' demands. Wilson says that he is willing to negotiate with the drivers, but that he will not give into their economic demands. Wilson accuses the union leadership of introducing the demands after negotiations were already in progress. Wilson notes that school attendance may be down because it is the first day back after winter vacation
0:59:58: Visual: A group of school bus drivers stand in the lobby one of the school buildings. The drivers are asked to leave the building by uniformed police officers. The drivers contend that they have a right to be in a public building. A police officer tells them that the building is controlled by the superintendent of schools; that the superintendent has asked the police to escort the drivers from the building. One of the drivers demands to see either Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) or a representative of Wilson. Another police officer tells the drivers to pick a representative; that someone will meet with the representative. The officer tells the drivers to wait outside of the building. Members of the media watch the confrontation between the police officers and the bus drivers. One of the bus drivers is designated as the representative. The representative demands that he be able to attend Wilson's press conference. The representative asks why bus drivers are "second class citizens." A school official approaches the representative. He says that the bus drivers may choose one person to attend the press conference to represent the union's newspaper. The representative asks permission to have three bus drivers wait outside of the press conference room. The representative wants those bus drivers to talk to the media after the press conference. The school official denies his request. The representative negotiates permission to bring another bus driver into the press conference as his photographer. The representative promises not to disrupt the press conference. The school official confers with another official. The second official speaks to the representative of the school bus drivers. The representative tells the official that he has no intention of disrupting the press conference. He asks permission to speak to the media afterwards. 1:05:03: V: Wilson stands behind a table set up for the press conference. He is joined for a moment by the second official. Wilson comments on the "ruckus" outside of the room. Wilson sits down and begins to speak. Wilson reports that there was a strike by school bus drivers in the morning; that he visited several schools this morning; that attendance was low. Wilson indicates a chart detailing school attendance figures. Wilson says that attendance at the high schools was at 67%; that attendance was at 48.8% for the middle schools; that attendance was at 54% at the elementary schools. Wilson notes that district-wide attendance was down 24% from last year. Wilson says that he hopes that attendance will increase; that a settlement is reached with the bus drivers to end the strike. Wilson says that the bus drivers must rescind their three "outrageous economic demands" before a settlement can be reached; that these economic demands were not made until November; that their only demand before November was to resolve the issue of terminated drivers. Wilson says that the drivers have demanded a pension benefit, full coverage of medical benefits and an extra mid-day break; that a settlement can be easily reached outside of those three economic demands. Wilson says that the leaders of the union are supporting the strike; that the majority of bus drivers do not support the strike. Wilson urges the leadership to call a meeting of the union membership. Wilson says that the leadership should let the membership vote on a new contract by secret ballot; that the membership would support the contract put forth by the Boston School Department. Wilson notes that there have been no major disruptions in the schools. 1:10:58: V: A reporter asks Wilson about contingency plans to hire more drivers. Wilson says that the school department will not try to substitute other drivers for those on strike. Shot of the press conference from the side of the room. Members of the media are visible. Wilson sits in the center of a long table. A reporter asks if parents support the strike. Wilson says that parents would like to have their children in school. Shot of Meg Vaillancourt (WGBH reporter). Wilson adds that the school department cannot afford the economic demands of the bus drivers. A reporter asks if the timing of the strike has worked in favor of the school department. Wilson says that he does not know. Shots of members of the media; of the representatives of the school bus drivers. A reporter asks Wilson about his belief that the membership of the union does not support the strike. Wilson repeats his challenge to the union leadership to let the membership vote on a contract by secret ballot. Vaillancourt asks Wilson to comment statements by the union. She says that the union has noted that their economic demands are affordable and that Wilson is trying to negate benefits which are already in their contract. Wilson says that the union has never had pension benefits, full coverage of medical benefits, or an extended mid-day break. Wilson reviews the breaks to which the bus drivers are entitled according to the last contract. Wilson says that the new economic demands are not in the contract. Wilson adds that the school department has estimated costs to be $800,000 for medical insurance, $450,000 for pension benefits and $450,000 for the additional break time. A reporter asks if Wilson will tolerate a lengthy strike. Wilson says that he would like to resolve the issues; that the school department is willing to negotiate on all of the issues except the economic demands. Wilson says that he was shocked when the three economic demands were added at the last minute. Wilson says that he has not set a deadline for resolving the strike; that he wants to negotiate with the bus drivers. Wilson notes that negotiations were in their fifth month before the bus drivers added the economic demands. Wilson says that progress had been made on all of the issues before the economic demands were introduced. 1:17:34: V: A reporter comments that the union added the demands because the school department was trying to introduce "giveback issues." Wilson says that the "giveback issues" would have been resolved. A reporter asks why the leadership would want a strike. Shot of the attendance chart. Wilson says that the union leadership has a "credibility gap" because they introduced the economic demands after negotiations were in progress. Wilson accuses the union leadership of being "unreasonable." Wilson explains that the school department picks up costs in the contract which are not covered by the bus companies. A reporter asks how much money the school department is saving due to the strike. Wilson says that he does not know. A reporter asks about the costs of 11,000 MBTA passes handed out to students. Wilson says that it depends on how many MBTA passes are used. A reporter asks if he knows why some students did not attend school. Wilson says that he does not know. Wilson notes that it is the first day back after winter vacation.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/02/1986

Laval Wilson signs contract

Description: Dr. Laval Wilson and members of the Boston School Committee assemble themselves at a press conference in Wilson's office. The media sets up a shot of Wilson and Nucci signing copies of Wilson's contract. Wilson and Nucci shake hands. Wilson shakes hands with each member of the School Committee. Wilson takes questions from reporters. Wilson talks about his enthusiasm for his new post. He says that his biggest challenge will be to familiarize himself with the issues and problems within the school system. A reporter asks Wilson about the politics of the school system. Wilson says that politics are always involved in public education. Wilson says that he and his family are making themselves at home in the city. Wilson answers reporters' questions about Arthur Garrity (federal judge) and his supervisory role over the Boston Public Schools. Wilson says that the city of Boston owes Garrity a debt of gratitude for his wisdom and leadership in the school desegregation case. Wilson talks about his meeting with Garrity in the courtroom. Wilson says that he is committed to integrated schools. Wilson adds that today's hearing in Garrity's courtroom was the last. He says that Garrity will soon turn over stewardship of the schools to Wilson and the School Committee. Meg Vaillancourt sets up an interview with Grady. Grady talks about the importance of Garrity's final hearings. He says that today is a "historic" day. Grady is optimistic about Wilson's selection as superintendent. Vaillancourt sets up an interview with Nucci. Nucci talks about the significance of Garrity's withdrawal from the schools. He says that the School Committee is ready to take on the responsibility of running the schools. Nucci adds that the School Committee is looking forward to working with Wilson as superintendent.
1:00:01: V: Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) walks over to a desk and lays out two copies of his contract. Microphones are set up on the desk. Shot of papers laid out on the desk. Wilson confers with Boston School Committee members John Nucci, Rita Walsh-Tomasini, John Grady, and Joe Casper. The School Committee members stand to the side of the desk. Wilson examines the papers with Nucci and Walsh-Tomasini. Boston School Committee members Abigail Browne and Jean McGuire walk behind the group with Wilson. Close-up shots of Wilson, Nucci and Walsh-Tomasini. Casper stands on the opposite side of the desk from the group with Wilson. The media sets up a shot of Wilson sitting at the desk with the members of the School Committee, including Kevin McCluskey, standing around him. Wilson takes his suitcoat off and settles into the desk. Wilson and Nucci each sign both copies of the contract. Wilson shakes hands with Nucci and each of the School Committee members. 1:03:12: V: Wilson sits down and takes questions from reporters. The School Committee members remain standing around his desk. A reporter asks Wilson if he has any second thoughts about coming to Boston. Wilson says that he is delighted to be in Boston; that he wishes he could have had more time to prepare for the coming school year. Wilson says that he will work with school staff to get to know the school system; that he will do his best to work with the School Committee and the mayor to benefit the schools. A reporter asks Wilson to name the biggest problem he faces. Wilson says that his biggest problem will be to get to know the system. Wilson says that he must understand the issues and the problems before he can address them. A reporter asks Wilson about the politics involved in the Boston Public School System. Wilson says that politics come with the territory of public education. Shot of the members of the media recording the event. A reporter asks Wilson about the insights given to him by the transition team. Wilson says that he has not yet received a briefing from the transition team. Shot of Grady. Wilson says that he is happy to be in Boston; that his three children will be attending Boston Public Schools; that he is in the process of looking for a home in the city. Wilson again shakes hands with Nucci and the members of the School Committee. 1:07:20: V: Wilson is interviewed by the media. Wilson talks about a conversation he had with Arthur Garrity (federal judge). Wilson says that Garrity told him that the problems in the school system may be exaggerated by the media. Wilson notes that the city of Boston owes Garrity a debt of gratitude for his wisdom and leadership in the school desegregation case. Wilson says that Garrity will soon turn over supervision of the school system to Wilson and the School Committee. A reporter asks Wilson about the challenges he will face in improving the schools. Wilson says that the community must commit itself to integrated schools; that all children must have equal access to the schools. A reporter asks Wilson how he felt while meeting with Garrity. Wilson says that the meeting was, in fact, "historic." Wilson adds that he appreciated the opportunity to talk to Garrity in the courtroom. A reporter asks how Garrity responded to Wilson's requests to meet with him privately. Wilson says that Robert Dentler (Dean of Education, Boston University) told him that Garrity had decided not to meet privately with any of the superintendents of the Boston Public Schools; that Dentler told Wilson not to feel slighted if Garrity does not meet with him. Wilson adds that he had a productive conversation with Dentler. A reporter asks Wilson if today's hearing was the last in the Boston school desegregation case (Morgan v. Hennigan). Wilson says that Garrity indicated that today's hearing was the last. Wilson says that he will do his best to provide equal access to integrated schools; that another hearing can be avoided if the schools remain integrated. 1:10:45: V: Meg Vaillancourt sets up a meeting with Grady. Vaillancourt asks him if today's hearing was the final hearing. Grady says that Garrity indicated that today's hearing was the last one. Grady notes that it is a "historic" day for the Boston Public School System; that the Boston School Committee and the Boston School Department have worked hard to arrive at this day. Vaillancourt asks Grady about the challenges facing Wilson and the School Committee. Grady says that Wilson will need to move ahead in the same direction; that the schools have "turned the corner." Grady says that there is "an air of optimism" throughout the school system; that Wilson will be a capable superintendent. Vaillancourt thanks Grady. 1:11:57: V: Vaillancourt sets up an interview with Nucci. Vaillancourt asks Nucci about the withdrawal of Garrity. She notes that Garrity told the Boston School Committee to pay heed to the parents and teachers. Nucci says that the School Committee recognizes the contributions of parents and teachers over the past ten years. Nucci says that he is optimistic; that Garrity is confident in the School Committee's commitment to integrated schools; that Garrity is optimistic about the selection of Wilson as superintendent. Nucci says that it is time to close "a chapter in Boston's history." Vaillancourt notes that Dr. Robert Spillane (former Superintendent of Boston Public Schools) left because the School Committee switched to district representation. She asks if Wilson will face a challenge in dealing with the School Committee. Nucci says that Garrity has cited the district-elected School Commitee's commitment to desegregated schools. Nucci adds that the new School Committee has led to Garrity's withdrawal from the schools. Another reporter asks Nucci if any potential problems could prevent Garrity's withdrawal from the schools. Nucci says that there are only minor differences to be resolved. The reporter asks about the significance of Garrity's withdrawal. Nucci says that the judge will set the parameters for desegregation in his final court orders; that the Boston School Committee will be responsible for running the schools. Vaillancourt asks Nucci if a larger School Committee could hinder Wilson's ability to get his programs approved. Nucci quotes Spillane as saying that the size of the committee is less important than the quality of the people who serve on the committee. Nucci says that the School Committee will help Wilson in his new role as superintendent.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/21/1985

Laval Wilson vs Herald

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that The Boston Herald newspaper has accused Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) of misusing the credit card of the Boston School Department. Vaillancourt notes that Wilson has denied the charges and has demanded a retraction from The Boston Herald. Vaillancourt's report includes footage of Wilson at a press conference with Philip Crowe (attorney for Wilson). Wilson talks about the accusations and denies any wrongdoing. Crowe adds that Wilson may sue The Boston Herald for libel. Vaillancourt notes that Alan Eisner (Editor, The Boston Herald) has refused to print a retraction. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson may have been dropped from consideration for a position with the New York City Public School System because of the Herald article. Vaillancourt adds that Wilson is an "embattled superintendent."
1:00:04: Visual: Footage of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) at a press conference. Wilson sits at a round table with his lawyer at his side. Wilson says, "That's a blatant lie." Meg Vaillancourt reports that Wilson has adamently denied accusations by The Boston Herald that he has misused a credit card belonging to the Boston School Department. V: Footage of Wilson demanding a front-page retraction of the accusations and an editorial retraction. Shot of a newspaper photo of Wilson. On-screen text details the Herald's accusations against Wilson. Vaillancourt reports that The Boston Herald has accused Wilson of double-billing the city for travel expenses; of taking improper cash advances on the School Department's credit card; of being late in filing expense reports. Vaillancourt notes that the Herald says that Wilson's tardiness in filing expense reports has cost the city $589 in interest charges on the credit card. V: Footage of Wilson saying that the Herald reporter is intentionally misrepresenting the facts. Vaillancourt notes that Wilson admitted to the accrual of interest charges on the credit card due to his tardiness in filing expense reports. Vaillancourt adds that Wilson has denied all of the other charges. V: Shots of Wilson at the press conference. Wilson holds up a notebook for the reporters. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson showed reporters credit card receipts; that Wilson said that he gave those receipts to The Boston Herald to review. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson has accused the Herald of sensationalizing the story. V: Footage of Wilson saying that the story and editorial in the Herald were malicious. Vaillancourt reports that the Herald is standing by its story. V: Shot of reporters in a newsroom. A quote by Alan Eisner (Editor, The Boston Herald) appears on screen in text. Vaillancourt quotes Eisner as saying, "We have no intention of giving Wilson a retraction." Vaillancourt also quotes Eisner as saying, "The city documents we examined show a clear pattern of credit card abuse." Vaillancourt reports that Wilson was in the process of applying for a position with the New York City Public School System when the Herald story was published. V: Shot of Wilson at the press conference. Shot of the Herald article with a headline reading, "State pays for Wilson credit 'abuse'." Vaillancourt quotes sources as saying that Wilson is no longer a finalist for the job in New York. V: Footage of Wilson saying that he intends to find out if the Herald story had a negative impact on his candidacy for the job. Footage of Philip Crowe (attorney for Laval Wilson) saying that Wilson may bring a libel suit against the Herald. Shots of Wilson sitting at a meeting with members of the Boston School Committee in May of 1986; of the audience at the School Committee meeting. Vaillancourt says that it is not clear whether Wilson is innocent or guilty; that the story has created problems for Wilson, who is "an embattled superintendent."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/22/1987

Law firm grant to Boston schools

Description: Boston law firm makes grant to city for early childhood education. Laval Wilson, first grade classroom.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/11/1987

Lawrence prison riot aftermath

Description: Burnt wreckage of cell blocks in aftermath of riot and fire at Essex House of Correction in Lawrence. Sheriff Charles Reardon. Prisoners behind bars, bunks.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/15/1988

Lee Atwater at GOP fundraiser

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Lee Atwater, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, visited Massachusetts for a Republican Party fundraiser. Vaillancourt reports that Atwater is optimistic about the Massachusetts Republican Party and has been making efforts to recruit minorities to the Republican Party. Students at Howard University protest Atwater's trusteeship at Howard University. Critics accuse the Republican Party of racist politics. David Duke, former Ku Klux Klan wizard, at a press conference. Vaillancourt notes that Atwater denies exploiting racial issues in 1988 presidential campaign advertisements. Vaillancourt's report features footage of Atwater speaking at the fundraiser. Atwater predicts that the next governor of Massachusetts will be a Republican. Atwater defends the Willie Horton campaign advertisements and condemns David Duke. Atwater shakes hands with Herman Wheeler, the President of the MBTA Police Officers Association, who recently switched his allegiance from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Jesse Jackson addresses students at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government
1:00:00: Visual: Footage of Lee Atwater (Chairman, Republican National Committee) speaking at a Republican fundraiser in Watertown, Massachusetts. Atwater says that Massachusetts will see no real progress until the state elects a Republican governor. Shots of audience members listening to Atwater. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Atwater visited Massachusetts for a fundraiser; that he was not afraid to attack former rival Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts). V: Footage of Atwater speaking at the press conference. Atwater says that he can "smell" a Republican victory in the Massachusetts air. Shot of Atwater shaking hands with attendees of the fundraiser. Vaillancourt reports that Atwater has had a few setbacks recently. Vaillancourt reports that one of Atwater's goals is to increase minority membership in the Republican Party; that Atwater was recently forced to resign from the Board of Trustees of Howard University when African American students staged a three-day protest. V: Footage of student protests at Howard University on February 8, 1989. Vaillancourt reports that students were angry over the Republican Party's exploitation of race in the presidential campaign. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Willie Horton (furloughed convict). Vaillancourt reports that Atwater denies that the Republican Party exploited race in the Willie Horton campaign advertisements. V: Footage of Atwater speaking at the fundraiser. Atwater says that the Republican Party was opposed to Dukakis's criminal furlough program. Vaillancourt reports that critics say that racist politics resulted in the election of David Duke (former wizard of the Ku Klux Klan) as the Republican candidate for governor of Lousiana. V: Footage of Duke at a press conference; of a Duke campaign sticker. Footage of Atwater at the fundraiser. Atwater says that Duke is a racist "charlatan"; that Duke has no place in the Republican Party. Atwater says that the Democrats should focus on Reverend Louis Farrakhan (Nation of Islam leader). Shots of attendees at the fundraiser. Vaillancourt reports that Atwater highlighted the efforts of the Massachusetts Republican Party to attract African American voters; that Atwater welcomed a president of an MBTA patrolmen's union. Vaillancourt notes that the president of the patrolmen's union has switched parties. V: Footage of Atwater shaking the hand of Herman Wheeler (President, MBTA Police Officers Association). Atwater tells Wheeler that it takes courage to switch parties; that the Republican Party needs courageous members. Shot of audience members, including Ron Kaufman (Republican National Committee). Vaillancourt reports from the Republican Party fundraiser. Vaillancourt says that Atwater's speech to the Massachusetts Republican Party was optimistic. Vaillancourt notes that the Republican Party has recently lost two special Congressional elections; that there is another special Congressional election in Wyoming tomorrow. Vaillancourt reports that some are wondering why Atwater is not in Wyoming today. V: Footage of Atwater saying that he would risk being called an "outsider" if he went to Wyoming to campaign. Atwater says that he hopes the Party will win the election in Wyoming; that "all is not lost" if the Party loses the election. Atwater says that special elections do not portend the results of the next election cycle. Shots of attendees at the fundraiser; of Atwater greeting attendees. Vaillancourt reports that Atwater has a lot of work ahead of him.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/25/1989

Legislating ethics

Description: Ray Shamie, David Locke, Steven Pierce express concern on behalf of Republican Party over questionable ethics and influence peddling allegations in legislature.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/16/1989

Legislative pay raise

Description: Growing movement started by Republicans objecting to legislative pay raise. Jerry Williams, Ray Shamie.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/20/1987

Legislature sworn in

Description: Gov. Dukakis swears in legislators. Comments from Keverian, Pierce, Flood, Voke, Clapprood on his decision against running for re-election to fourth term.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/04/1989