Boston—At a Boston School Committee meeting Wednesday night, a passionate group of students, parents and teachers voiced strong opposition to the Boston Public Schools’ proposal to close Charlestown High School. The district cited a 32% drop in enrollment over the past three years and noted that the building is only 53% full, with students with disabilities now comprising 45% of the student body, making inclusive programming more challenging.
Students share personal stories
Senior Ryeza Harris, an immigrant and transgender man, spoke about the bullying, racism and discrimination he has faced throughout his life, saying Charlestown High School was the one place where he felt safe. “This is the only place out of four high schools that I’ve been to — over 10 schools in general that I’ve been to — that I felt safe enough to not have to look over my shoulder every five minutes,” Harris told NBC10 Boston.
Other students echoed Harris’s sentiment, repeatedly emphasizing the sense of belonging the school provides. Many described the school as more than a set of enrollment numbers, highlighting its role in fostering community and personal growth.
Officials respond
Boston School Committee member Franklin Peralta expressed empathy for the students, saying, “Personally, I am struggling with many of the questions you are asking, and thank you for asking them. Listening to these students — the love that they have for their community — it fills my heart.”
The Boston Teachers Union warned that learning about the potential closure only four weeks before a final vote does not give enough time for meaningful input. The district indicated that another secondary school could eventually move into the Charlestown High School building, though no specific school has been identified yet. BPS hopes to have a decision by the spring.
Next steps
The school committee is expected to vote on the closure proposal within a month. If the school is closed, current students would receive priority for new school assignments for the 2028‑29 school year. The district also proposed closing Greater Egleston High School, an alternative education facility with 76 students, as part of a broader restructuring plan.
Community members continue to organize and advocate for keeping Charlestown High School open, emphasizing its importance to families and the broader Charlestown neighborhood.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
