Committee Takes Historic Innovation School Vote
After months of heated debate and passionate arguments for and against Innovation Schools, the New Bedford School Committee held its vote on the two proposals Monday.
After an hour of debate, the board approved the Renaissance School with a 4-3 vote, but the dual-language Esperanza School failed 3-4. Mayor Jon Mitchell's ballot was split, with a yes vote for Renaissance, but a no vote for Esperanza. He tells WBSM News, the time has come for a new educational approach.
United Interfaith Action leader Marsha Onufrak thinks this can be a unifying moment for the community.
The Renaissance School for Grades K-through-5, boasts a curriculum focused on arts and music development, and will be housed within the Gomes Elementary School. A lottery to select the school's first class of 130 students will take place this summer.