Jaya N. Karamcheti
Latest Articles
Cambridge School Committee’s Literacy Proposal Renews Debate Over Retention
Nearly 30 percent of third grade students in Cambridge fell short of meeting grade-level reading standards last year. Now, a School Committee proposal to hold back struggling students is dividing parents and educators over whether the policy would actually help.
Graham & Parks Principal Set to Return Next Year as Discrimination Suit Proceeds
Cambridge Public Schools renewed Graham & Parks Elementary School Principal Kathleen Smith’s contract, a district spokesperson confirmed Friday, extending her tenure amid renewed scrutiny over her leadership and an ongoing disability discrimination lawsuit.
Cambridge Schools Adopt $290M FY27 Budget After Months of Revisions
The Cambridge School Committee on Tuesday approved a nearly five percent increase to the district’s budget, adopting a $290 million plan for fiscal year 2027.
Cambridge School Committee Passes Motion To Expand Principal Evaluations After Leadership Controversies
The Cambridge School Committee passed a motion on Tuesday to expand the evaluation process for school principals across the district, requiring Superintendent David G. Murphy to regularly collect feedback on principal performance from parents, students, and staff.
Equity Audit Praises Cambridge Schools’ Overall Instruction but Finds Gaps in Student Support
A two-year equity audit of Cambridge Public Schools found that the district is offering strong core instruction, but has failed to consistently provide academic and behavioral interventions for students who need the most support.
Lawsuit Alleges Graham and Parks Principal Barred Volunteer From Teaching After Referencing Wheelchair Use
Graham and Parks Elementary School Principal Kathleen Smith allegedly barred a longtime volunteer from working at the school after referencing her use of a wheelchair in internal emails, according to court documents filed last week in a disability discrimination lawsuit against Cambridge Public Schools.
Cambridge Public Schools Expects $13M Budget Increase, Takes On Student Transit Costs
Cambridge Public Schools is expected to increase its 2027 budget by more than $13 million, including a commitment to fund public transit for students at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School from the school’s budget.
Cambridge Science and Civics MCAS Scores Exceed State Average, But Racial and Income Gaps Remain
Cambridge Public School students scored higher than their peers across the state on the 2025 science and civics Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exam — though the data point to enduring achievement gaps across racial and socioeconomic lines in the district.
MUJI Makes Its Mark on Harvard Square
MUJI — a Japan-based store selling stationary, clothing, and household goods — held its grand opening ceremony in Harvard Square this past Friday.
Cafe Sushi To Roll Out In-Person Dining After Five Years
Cafe Sushi, a staple Harvard Square Japanese restaurant, is set to reopen for in-person dining for the first time in five years this December.