THE PIONEER BLOG

Jude Iredell

The War on Math in Boston-Area School Boards

/in , , /by Jude Iredell

Despite long-standing bipartisan agreement that all students need and deserve challenging curricula for educational success, many Boston-area school boards are dismantling advanced math programs in the name of equity and inclusion; such moves only exacerbate educational disparities while ignoring the persisting achievement gaps across racial demographics.

Peter Mentekidis

An Examination of the Commonwealth Rainy Day Fund

/in , , , /by Peter Mentekidis

Established in 1987, the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund has been a key component of the financial stability of Massachusetts. As of recently, it’s seen spectacular growth. Why?

Sarah Delano

U.S. History and Civics Education: Lacking Standards, Little Knowledge

/in , /by Sarah Delano

According to both the NAEP U.S. history and civics test results and a national survey emulating a U.S. citizenship test, students and citizens in America are largely lacking the mastery of the subjects. At a time when history and civics education is highly politicized, we must improve their education to ensure future generations of capable citizens.

Sarah Delano

GDP by Industry: Middlesex County v. Suffolk County

/in /by Sarah Delano

Middlesex and Suffolk counties have contributed far more to the state’s GDP than any other county in Massachusetts. However, the two differ in which industries are responsible for the greatest shares of their GDP.

Peter Mentekidis

The Curious Case of the Missing Stabilization Funds

/in , , , /by Peter Mentekidis

Stabilization funds are a key component of a municipality’s financial strength, yet many towns (including Boston!) report no stabilization funds. Why is this?

Teddy Wynn

HDIP: Unintended Consequences Adding to the Housing Crisis

/in , , /by Teddy Wynn

See how the HDIP affected the state’s housing crisis. Housing prices in Gateway Cities, such as Chelsea, Revere, Everett, and Lawrence, are skyrocketing.

Sarah Delano

Large Free Cash Fund in Woburn Demonstrates Quality Financial Management

/in /by Sarah Delano

Woburn has consistently had quality financial management in recent years, demonstrated by the fact that the city had the third highest free cash fund in the state in 2020. The city’s financial success has benefited its taxpayers, as the city’s bond rating has been promoted to a AAA rating by the S&P agency standards.

Jude Iredell

Can Massachusetts Reverse the Decline in U.S. History and Civics Performance?

/in , , , /by Jude Iredell

Massachusetts — home to so much history, including seminal events such as the Boston Tea Party — has much to be proud of in its own students’ history and civics performance. Even as policymakers have supplanted typical curricular standards with “engagement” mandates that students participate in progressive activism, national attitudes towards Massachusetts’ civic education have remained envious.

Peter Mentekidis

Cheap, Efficient, Effective: The Lessons from the PVTA and WRTA

/in , , , /by Peter Mentekidis

The MBTA is recognized as one of the best transit systems in the nation. It’s not perfect, however: comparisons to other Massachusetts transit systems can indicate the MBTA’s flaws and highlight the regional authorities’ strengths.

Aidan Enright

The Massachusetts Lottery Seeks Expansion

/in /by Aidan Enright

The Massachusetts Lottery is once again expanding, offering a new $50 dollar scratch ticket. Members of the House and Governor Healey have also backed a proposed FY24 budget provision creating an online lottery, or iLottery. While these measures are predicted to boost the state’s revenue and ability to provide local aid, state legislators should ask themselves whether these new changes represent sound public policy and align with other policies goals.

Sarah Delano

Fare-Free Public Transit in Boston: A Holistic View

/in /by Sarah Delano

In recent years, ridership on bus routes which run through low-income areas has increased due to programs which have eliminated fares on those routes. With some politicians looking to expand this to all Boston transportation, it is important to remember that while public transit is good for society, it is not a public good.

Teddy Wynn

Boston’s Budget: Wu and City Council Debate

/in , /by Teddy Wynn

Learn more about the details of the latest Boston operating budget proposal. Mayor Wu and City Council debate on specifics of the bill, such as cuts to different services vital to the city.

Teddy Wynn

Charter School Success: Importance in Suffolk County and College Enrollment

/in , , , /by Teddy Wynn

Learn about how charter schools set students up for success, especially in urban areas like Suffolk county. MCAS scores and college enrollment are stats that point to the impact of Charter schools.

Peter Mentekidis

A Bird’s Eye View: Massachusetts K-12 Education by County

/in , , /by Peter Mentekidis

Massachusetts has had the best public school system in the country for the past two decades: along with some of the highest per pupil spending as well. Among the counties, does high per pupil spending translate to better results? The short answer: not really.