As Boston Public Schools welcomed students back for the new school year, teachers returned to work without contracts amid ongoing negotiations. Mayor Michelle Wu participated in the festivities, highlighting the new Zum app designed to enhance bus tracking and communication for parents, which has already seen significant adoption. However, the uncertainty surrounding teacher contracts remains a concern, with the Boston Teachers Union advocating for better working conditions. Meanwhile, school safety is a top priority across various districts, especially following recent incidents of gun violence. New safety measures, including trauma-informed lockdown drills, have been implemented in New York schools, reflecting heightened awareness of security needs. Overall, while excitement fills the air for the new academic year, issues of contract negotiations and safety loom large in the education landscape.