AFT President Randi Weingarten welcomed at schools in Lowell and Lawrence by union leaders, educators, students, and local officials!
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Massachusetts hosted AFT President Randi Weingarten’s trip to the Merrimack Valley earlier this month, where local leaders and educators highlighted two key priorities of the state federation: community schools and career and technical education (CTE).
Through various coalitions and advocacy campaigns, the AFT Massachusetts has been strong proponents for investing in and expanding opportunity for community schools and CTE pathways. The day included on-site discussions with local and national leaders about the unique contributions each school makes to the region and the role they play in lifting up the families and communities they serve.
President Weingarten’s day began at the Frederic T. Greenhalge Elementary School in Lowell, one of the city’s ten community schools. With students ranging from pre-kindergarten to grade four, Greenhalge Elementary provides a network of community-based support and services inside and outside of the classroom, bringing together educators, community members, families, and students to strengthen conditions for student learning and healthy development.
“At their best, community schools are vibrant neighborhood hubs that focus on meeting the needs of the whole child and their families,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Greenhalge Elementary is a leading example of how we can deliver wraparound services and a deep network of community-based supports, from oral health services and eyecare to workforce development programs, food banks and English classes for parents. Today’s visit showed the importance of building broad-based opportunity and equity, one community at a time. If we’re serious about helping kids and their families thrive creating —then community schools are one of the best ways forward.”
Nationwide, the community schools system has shown to increase attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism, improve social and emotional well-being, expand school-based resources, and improve student achievement.
The first community school in Lowell, the Career Academy, opened in 2015. With federal ESSER funding, the city expanded its community school network in 2022 to include the seven schools in the district serving students with the highest-needs: the Bartlett Community Partnership School, Butler Middle School, Greenhalge Elementary School, Lowell High School, Robinson Middle School, Sullivan Middle School, and Stoklosa Middle School.
In 2023, the City received a 5-year, $2.5 million Full-Service Community Schools grant from the U.S. Department of Education to build out the programs at these schools.
AFT Massachusetts is an active member of the Massachusetts Coalition for Community Schools and has been a strong advocate increasing state support for current community schools and expanding the model throughout the state. Currently, there are 32 community schools in five districts across the state: Boston, Lowell, Lynn, Salem, and Haverhill.
As in previous sessions, the AFT Massachusetts supports legislation on community schools on Beacon Hill, including An Act to establish a community schools special legislative commission. The bill, filed by Representative Chynah Tyler and Senator Paul Mark, would create a commission to analyze the current community school landscape and put forth recommendations on how the Commonwealth can expand the model in regions across the state.
Following their visit in Lowell, the group headed north to “Immigrant City” to visit Lawrence High School, where they met with students, educators, and local leaders to learn more about the school’s Innovative Pathways program, which allows students to access courses and hands-on experiences in high-demand industries.
Through strong partnerships with the community and local employers, students are exposed to career options and given the opportunity to advance their education and experiences within their chosen field of study before they graduate high school – putting them on a pathway to success.
“Lawrence High School’s career pathways program is another example of what we can achieve when educators and members of the community are working in collaboration to give our students the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to meet their full potential – both inside and outside of the classroom,” said President Tang. “One way to protect our students from the widespread cuts to education and services we’re seeing on the federal level is to boost investment and support for things like community schools and CTE pathways, which provide access to wrap around services and take a multi-faceted approach to supporting students and their families.”
At Lawrence High School, students interested in the program are offered three tracks: Business/Finance, Health/Social Assistance, and Computer Science. Students learn about all three pathways in Grade 9 and, those interested in the program, choose a pathway beginning in Grade 10. Over the course of three years, students have access to advanced or college-level coursework and work-based learning experiences like job shadows, guest speakers, internships, and career advising.
"Career and Technical Education schools equip students with real-world skills that pave pathways to the high-paying and in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow, without the burden of massive student debt,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Lawrence High School is a gateway to both college and to careers in health care, manufacturing and so much more. CTE courses not only prepare the next generation of skilled workers. but also revitalize communities and lay the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient economy. That’s why we’re fighting so hard for their rapid expansion."
The program’s popularity is growing, with enrollment expected to reach approximately 350 students for the 2025/2026 school year. Three LHS students in the Health/Social Assistance program – Arislerdy Fernandez, Joshua Gonzalez, and Hillary MacDonald – shared their stories and how the program has provided them with unique opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.
“We love seeing our students engaged in their classrooms and excited to take what they learn back into their communities. All students deserve being a part of a classroom that is not only welcoming, but sees them for who they are and provides the support to build upon their strengths,” said Kimberly Barry, English language teacher and President of the Lawrence Teachers Union. “Not only do these students get hands-on experiences and expanded classroom opportunities to set them on a path for success, they establish strong connections with our educators and mentors in the community who help them realize they can - and will - achieve their dreams.”
Local community and education leaders were on hand to welcome President Weingarten to LHS and discuss the success the community has seen with the school’s Pathways Program, including Superintendent of Schools Ralph Carrero, LHS Head of Schools Victor Caraballo-Anderson, LHS Work Based Learning Manager Roberto Duran, State Representative Frank Moran, State Representative Estella Reyes, and members of the Lawrence School Committee.
“At a time when the federal government is looking to cut $37 million in CTE funding for Massachusetts by dismantling the US Department of Education, we are grateful to have a voice on the national stage with President Weingarten, who for decades has been a consistent and dedicated advocate for our students and educators on the national stage,” continued President Tang.
At the state level, the AFT Massachusetts is advocating for key investments in these two areas and legislation at the State House to support their growth statewide, including Senate Bill 409 and Senate Bill 326. Recently, President Tang testified before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means about important education investments, including community schools and CTE, at a hearing of the Fair Share Surplus Supplemental Budget Bill.
President Weingarten recently wrote an essay for the New York Times about how schools like ours are an important part of creating multiple pathways to a better life – whether students decide to attend college after graduation or pursue other options.