The Nation - News from June 14, 1989

An unprecedented plan by Boston University to take over the Chelsea public schools became law as Gov. Michael S. Dukakis signed a bill that offered new hope to the troubled district, but raised union opposition. Chelsea, a city just northeast of Boston with one of the most troubled school systems in Massachusetts, will receive new school buildings, an infusion of money and the academic clout of Boston University. In exchange, the school committee will turn over control of the schools to the university for a decade. But teachers and national union officials have said they are worried that the agreement will allow decisions about salaries and work rules to be conducted behind closed doors.