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Laval Wilson

Description: Laval Wilson (candidate for Superintendent of Boston Public Schools) prepares for his interview with the Boston School Committee. He arranges several large posterboards around and in front of a table in the School Committee chambers. Eileen Jones interviews Wilson about his upcoming interview with the School Committee. Wilson says that he will try to show the School Committee that he is the best candidate for the job. He adds that posters and visual aids help him to communicate. Wilson says that he hopes to have the support of a broad spectrum of community groups and not just the African American community. Wilson declines to identify himself as "conservative." Wilson begins his interview with the School Committee. Wilson talks about his previous experience and his thorough understanding of school desegregation issues and school curricula. Wilson answers questions about remedial education. A member of the School Committee asks Wilson why two African American members of the School Committee do not support his candidacy. Wilson says that he is not familiar with the politics of individual committee members; he adds that he is an educator who happens to be black. Wilson says that he would like to be superintendent for all students and members of the community. Wilson notes that educational programs are more important than ethnicity. Jones reports on the interview and the School Committee's process in selecting a new superintendent.
1:00:00: Visual: Dr. Laval Wilson (candidate for Superintendent of Boston Public Schools) prepares for his interview with the Boston School Committee for the post of superintendent. He arranges several large posterboards around and in front of a table in the School Committee chambers. The boards display papers, advertisements and articles representing his achievements. Members of the press are gathered in front of the table. Several members of the press take photographs. Eileen Jones (WGBH reporter) comments that Wilson does not look nervous. Wilson says that he is a professional; that he has confidence in his abilities; that he hopes to convince the Boston School Committee to hire him. Crowd noise muffles the audio. Jones asks Wilson about his chances of being hired. Wilson says that he is one of three candidates; that he does not know how the School Committee will respond to his candidacy; that he plans to demonstrate his abilities and to answer the School Committee's questions. Wilson mentions that he will use visual aids in his presentation to the School Committee; that the visual aids document his career; that he plans to discuss ideas. Jones comments that the visual aids seem "showy." Wilson says that visual aids help him to learn and communicate better; that the visual aids document his abilities in several areas including planning, budget development, and partnerships. Jones asks how Wilson feels about African Americans in Boston coming out to support his candidacy. Wilson says that he does not know anything about it; that he is concentrating on his interview with the School Committee; that he hopes the entire community will support his candidacy. Wilson says that he is delighted to have support from the African American community; that he hopes to have support of the entire school system and a broad spectrum of community groups. Jones asks Wilson about his reputation as a tough administrator. Wilson says that descriptions are subjective; that he considers himself a "professional educator." Jones asks Wilson if he considers himself "conservative." Wilson says that he considers himself as a school superintendent, not as a liberal or a conservative. 1:06:10: V: Wilson sits down at the table, which faces the members of the Committee. John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) warns the audience to be silent during the interview and presentation, so as not to distract Wilson. Nucci asks Wilson why he would like to be Superintendent of Boston Public Schools. Wilson arranges the microphones on the table. Wilson describes his previous experiences including his positions as a superintendent in Rochester NY, Berkeley CA, and on Long Island. Wilson says that he has a thorough understanding of school desegregation policies and school curricula. He describes his experiences in working with government agencies and lobbying for school funding. Wilson describes his planning abilities and his commitment to working with parent groups. Shot of the members of the school committee. Kevin McCluskey (Boston School Committee) asks Wilson a question about remedial education. Shot of Wilson. Wilson talks about his experience in and views on remedial education programs. Shots of African American audience members. Wilson talks about the possibility of extending the school day. Committee members ask Wilson questions about a specific remedial education program. Wilson talks about the need to close the gap between low-achievement scores and high-achievement scores. Shots of the audience; of individual audience members. 1:13:03: V: Wilson says that he is not the type of person to brag about his achievements; that he must highlight his achievements in order to be considered for this post; that he considers himself to be one of the most qualified superintendents in the nation. Wilson notes that he was selected as one of the top 100 executive educators in the nation; that he has a strong reputation across the nation. A member of the Committee asks Wilson why African American School Committee members John O'Bryant and Jean McGuire do not support his candidacy. The member says, "What do they know about you that we don't know about you?" Wilson says that he does not know why O'Bryant and McGuire do not support him; that a superintendent needs to make decisions for students of all races; that he is a school educator who happens to be black. Wilson says that he has not read the newspapers; that he is not familiar with the politics of individual Committee members. The same committee member asks Wilson what it means to be an educator "who also happens to be black." The committee member asks Wilson if he will deal with minority students who are not getting an education, or if he will "keep playing a game." Wilson says that the superintendent needs to implement the best educational programs for the school population. Wilson says that he would not like his statements as superintendent to be seen as "the black statement"; that he would not be the superintendent for any particular group; that he would be the superintendent for the whole community. Wilson says that the superintendent cannot afford to be associated with one particular ethnic group; that the superintendent has to work together with all staff, students, parents, and community groups. Wilson says that it is important to consider issues, not skin color. Wilson says that ethnicity can be an issue; that every ethnic group has its own specific concerns; that educational programs are more important than ethnicity. 1:18:55: V: Jones reports that the interviews with candidates are not the end of the selection process; that School Committee members will make site visits to the school districts of each candidate. Jones notes that the School Committee will elect a new superintendent on July 31. Jones does two takes of her closing to the news story.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/19/1985

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 let go

Description: Jan von Mehren reports that Boston superintendent Laval Wilson was let go by the Boston School Committee. Wilson attended an event honoring the partnership between the Boston Public Schools and the John Hancock Insurance Company. Interview with Sandra Willet of the John Hancock Company, who praises Wilson for his support of business-school partnerships. Wilson speaks to reporters at the event. He says that reading and math scores improved dramatically while he was superintendent. Wilson accuses the School Committee of not working with the superintendent to achieve goals. School Committee members Rita Walsh-Tomasini and Abigail Browne are in attendance at the event. Interviews with Browne and Walsh-Tomansini, who say that Wilson is not the right person to manage the Boston Public Schools. Von Mehren reports that some members of the School Committee believe that racism is behind Wilson's firing. Interview with Committee member John O'Bryant says that Wilson would have had a different experience if he were white. Von Mehren notes that O'Bryant has compared Wilson's firing to the firing of the superintendent in Selma, Alabama. Von Mehren's report features footage from a student demonstration in Selma, Alabama in 1990. Walsh-Tomasini says that race had nothing to do with Wilson's situation. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Hope Kelly reviews the major events and key issues during the tenure of Laval Wilson and Meg Vaillancourt interviews Nthabiseng Mabuza about the release of Nelson Mandela
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/14/1990

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

Laval Wilson's frustration

Description: Marcus Jones reports that superintendent Laval Wilson is frustrated because the Boston School Committee has twice rejected his proposal to consolidate Boston high schools. Interviews with School Committee members John Nucci, Joseph Casper and John O'Bryant. Nucci says that Wilson is frustrated by a lack of support from some members of the Committee. Casper accuses the minority members of the School Committee of causing trouble for Wilson. O'Bryant resents Casper's accusations that the minority members of the Committee vote in a bloc. Jones notes that some critics accuse the committee of focusing too much on the daily operations of the schools and not enough on educational policy. Interview with City Councilor Michael McCormack. O'Bryant and Casper differ on how much parental participation they think should be encouraged by Wilson and the School Committee. A spokesperson for Wilson says that Wilson has no intention of leaving his post. Footage of a Boston School Committee meeting.
1:00:08: Marcus Jones reports that school officials are are concerned that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) may leave the Boston Public Schools. Jones notes that Wilson was frustrated after the Boston School Committee's second rejection of his plan to consolidate Boston high schools. Visual: Shots of Wilson and members of the School Committee at a meeting of the Boston School Committee. Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that Wilson is committed to the Boston Public Schools; that Wilson is frustrated by a lack of support from certain members of the School Committee; that this lack of support needs to be addressed. Jones reports that Wilson's consolidation plan for Boston Latin Academy, Boston Technical High School and Madison Park High School initially won council approval by a margin of 5 to 4; that the four minority votes were abstentions. Jones notes that School Committee members Jean McGuire and John O'Bryant voted against the plan on a second vote. V: Shots of a plaque reading "Boston Latin Academy"; of the sign reading "Boston Technical High School," hanging above the door to the school; of the exterior of Madison Park High School. Shots of McGuire and O'Bryant at a School Committee meeting. Shots of Wilson. Jones notes that the proposal was defeated; that Wilson suggested that the School Committee should begin looking for another superintendent. V: Footage of Joe Casper (member, Boston School Committee) saying that the superintendent is getting "nailed" by the minority members of the School Committee; that the white members of the school committee are not causing trouble for Wilson. Footage of John O'Bryant (member, Boston School Committee) saying that the votes of the minority members of the School Committee are often split; that no one ever accuses white members of the School Committee of voting in a bloc. Jones reports that Wilson has won more battles with the School Committee than he has lost. V: Shots of Wilson and the School Committee members in a meeting. Shots of School Committee members John Grady, Kevin McCluskey, Casper and Thomas O'Reilly. Jones says that some critics see flaws in the ways that the School Committee is administering to the schools. V: Footage of Michael McCormack (Boston City Council) saying that the School Committee needs to focus on educational policy; that the operations of the schools should be left up to the superintendent. Footage of O'Bryant saying that Wilson does not consult parents on issues affecting the schools. O'Bryant says that parental participation in the school system should be encouraged. Footage of Casper saying that parents are being encouraged to attend the meetings to push for their special interests; that Wilson cannot be expected to cater to parents while running the schools effectively. Jones stands outside the offices of the Boston School Committee. Jones quotes a spokesman for Wilson as saying that Wilson has no intention of leaving his post. Jones notes that Wilson will have another encounter with the School Committee at next month's meeting. V: Shot of Nucci.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/21/1987

Lawrence welcomes Emerson College

Description: Emerson College will be moving from downtown Boston to Lawrence in 1992. Interview with a representative of Emerson on the reasons for the move. Interview with Lawrence Mayor Kevin Sullivan on the urban renewal project that will help improve the city. Sullivan, Gov. Dukakis, and Sen. Patricia McGovern speak at a ceremony held at the site along the Merrimack River. Construction in progress on site. Interview with William Callaghee, publisher of the Lawrence News, who speaks against the project. Interviews with Lawrence residents on the benefits they predict will come from the relocation of Emerson into their city.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/27/1988

Linkage

Description: In this story on linkage, Christy George gives history of Boston development boom and affordable housing decline. She describes proposed linkage between the two in the form of taxes on new development, the proceeds of which would go toward affordable housing. Kevin White press conference. Interview with Bruce Bolling on his proposed linkage law. Interview with housing advocate Robert McKay, who is also on the committee reviewing the linkage law. There is a discussion of how exactly linkage will work. Kevin White, Ray Flynn, Larry DiCara, and Dave Finnegan all weigh in on linkage as a mayoral campaign issue.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/16/1983

Lobsters

Description: People buying lobsters at Bay State Lobster. Lobsters removed from tank, placed on scale, put in paper bags, some crated. Displays of seafood for sale. Newly caught lobsters, tightly packed, claws banded, move around in crate. Interview with proprietor on falling prices and fluctuation of supply and demand. Boston is principal lobster distribution point.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/07/1979

Longshoremen's hiring hall

Description: Longshoremen's hiring hall. Men crowd around window for work assignments. Interview with union worker, who says job shortage due to progress and automation. He has not been paid under contract guaranty because of loopholes. He predicts October 1 strike against Boston Shipping Association. Containerization calls for fewer workers, from about 1,200 men to about 400 men, though tonnage of port has remained stable. Man hours have decreased, some men have left the industry, others try to collect their guaranty. A man being interviewed says that the men are very angry.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/24/1976