City Councilors Want More Discipline In Schools

The City Council is joining the debate over violence in New Bedford Schools.

The Council approved a motion Tuesday night, asking the School Dept. for data on the number of teacher assaults in the last three months, and how many fights are being reported.

Ward 3 Councilor Henry Bousquet says he talked with the superintendent about what's being done to curb violence, and he's not happy with the answers....

Councilor Brian Gomes also weighed in, saying the administration's response to school violence has been "lame" and its time to put the hammer down and find alternative settings for trouble-makers.  Councilor Jane Gonsalves added, until the discipline problems are resolved, nothing will change in New Bedford schools.

Also, a tax break agreement for developers of a planned medical center at Riverside Landing faces an uncertain future, after the City Council failed to give the deal six votes.  The Tax Increment Financing plan would have provided a $143,000 tax savings over five years for Dickenson Development, and Steward Healthcare, who are hoping to construct a new urgent care facility near Market Basket.

And Councilor Steve Martins says he's been in touch with the Boston Red Sox about bringing the World Series Trophy to New Bedford.  Martins says no date has been set, but he predicts the visit will be "sooner rather than later."