Opportunity to Serve on the Boston School Committee

by bmrb · October 28, 2024

Qualified Candidates Needed: Deadline November 15

Interested in shaping the future of the Boston Public Schools? Consider applying to join the Boston School Committee, the governing body of Boston Public Schools. One seat is available as Michael O’Neill’s term will expire in January 2025. If you are interested in serving on the School Committee, advocating for students, families, and educators, we encourage you to apply here.

Role of the Boston School Committee – The Boston School Committee plays a crucial role in making decisions that impact the direction and quality of K-12 public education in Boston. It works to create an inclusive and effective educational system that addresses the needs of students, families, and educators. Some of the essential functions of the Committee include setting the district’s objectives, approving and overseeing the implementation of the Boston Public Schools annual budget ($1.68B, FY25 all-funds), allocating resources effectively to benefit students and improve learning environments, and selecting and evaluating the Superintendent. Additionally, the Committee initiates, approves and ratifies BPS collective bargaining agreements. The Boston Teachers Union contract expired on August 31, 2024. More information about the school committee’s responsibilities can be found in our Research Update.

Requirements & Process – The School Committee is composed of seven voting members and one non-voting student representative. Applicants must be Boston residents and submit the application form with basic information and responses to a series of questions. The School Committee Nominating Panel will vet and publicly interview applicants. The Nominating Panel consists of 13 members from diverse backgrounds, including parents, business leaders, and educators. Following interviews for selected candidates, to be held on November 21 and 22, the panel will present three to five candidates to the Mayor, who will select one individual to serve on the School Committee for a four-year term expiring on January 1, 2029.

All applications should be emailed to scnominatingpanel@boston.gov or mailed or delivered to the Boston School Committee Nominating Panel, City Hall, Mayor’s Office 5th floor, Boston, MA 02201. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Friday, November 15, 2024.