Boston Municipal Research Bureau

 

 

Time for School Committee Nominations

by · November 4, 2019

Bostonians have the chance to become civically engaged on behalf of Boston Public School students as applications are now being accepted for two open positions on the School Committee beginning in January 2020.

Impact the Future

Serving on the School Committee provides the opportunity to make a difference in the lives and education of thousands of students in the Boston Public Schools and benefit the city as a whole.

The School Committee plays an essential role in Boston and has significant authority if it chooses to use it.

The process of filling vacancies is straightforward, which makes applying for a seat an option for anyone interested in this leadership role. The process requires written answers to education policy questions confronting Boston Public Schools and public interviews by the Nominating Panel.  The goal is to present the Mayor with a list of applicants whose background, expertise, and views are well understood, not only by the Nominating Panel, but also by members of the public.  This transparency is an essential component of the process, so Boston residents can be assured about the qualifications and priorities of those overseeing the schools.

The Nomination Process

The School Committee consists of seven Boston residents appointed to serve four-year terms. Instrumental in the appointment process is an independent Nominating Panel which recommends a list of candidates to the Mayor from which the Mayor must appoint people to fill open School Committee seats.

The Nominating Panel consists of 13 members – four members are appointed by the Mayor and nine members are designees of the following entities:

  • 4 parents of Boston Public School students from the following organizations: Boston Parenting Organizing Network, Special Needs Parents Advisory Council, Citywide Parent Council, and Bilingual Master Parents Advisory Council
  • 1 teacher from the Boston Teachers Union and 1 BPS headmaster/principal selected by Boston Association of School Admin. and Supervisors (BASAS)
  • A college president representing local higher education
  • Massachusetts Commissioner of Education or designee
  • 1 representative of the Boston business community from one of the following: Boston Municipal Research Bureau, Boston Private Industry Council, Boston Chamber of Commerce

The Nominating Panel presents to the Mayor three to five names for each vacant position by the first Monday of December.  The Mayor must make his appointments from those nominations within 15 days. 

The deadline for submitting applications to serve on the School Committee is 11:59 PM on Tuesday November 12, 2019.

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