FYI from BSF, 06.29.22

The Final Bell

It’s a big week for Boston Public Schools.  Last day of school.  A partnership with the state has been reached.  And, tonight, a new superintendent will be considered.

Ahead of tonight’s vote, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the final two candidates, and use our rubric if you like.

Mary Skipper, Superintendent of Somerville Public Schools

• Her biography

• A journalistic profile

• Her interviews:

  • Mary Skipper Interview (Community Partners)

  • Mary Skipper Interview (Educators and School Leaders)

  • Mary Skipper Interview (Students and Families)

  • Mary Skipper Interview (School Committee)  (if you can’t watch it all, watch the opening personal statement)

Tommy Welch, Region 1 School Superintendent,  Boston Public Schools

• His biography

• A journalistic profile

• His interviews:

  • Dr. Tommy Welch Interview (Community Partners)

  • Dr. Tommy Welch Interview (Educators and School Leaders)

  • Dr. Tommy Welch Interview (Students and Families)

  • Dr. Tommy Welch Interview (School Committee) (if you can’t watch it all, watch the opening personal statement)

It is 71 days until the first day of school.  The first deliverables for the state agreement are due in 47 days.  Notwithstanding questions about the process and growth areas for any job candidate, both finalists are experienced, possess intimate knowledge of BPS,  and were vetted through an extensive search and hiring process.  To meet the moment, BPS needs to name Skipper or Welch as its leader tonight, and that leader must quickly build broad support to seize the opportunities and confront the challenges facing the system.

The Boston School Committee meeting starts at 5:00 PM.   Public comment sign up closes at 4:30 PM.   Agenda and link for viewing is posted here.