The Boston School Committee has voted to appoint Boston Public Schools (BPS) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Jamaica Plain resident John McDonough as interim superintendent. McDonough, who has served as CFO since 1996, will lead the District after Superintendent Carol Johnson retires this summer.
“I’m extremely humbled at the mayor’s confidence,” McDonough told the Gazete. “I want to tap into the extreme talent of the people who work here [at BPS] to move this place forward in making all our schools quality schools.”
“I’m relieved,” state Rep. Liz Malia told the Gazette. “It’s going to be hard to see Johnson leave. John represents real consistency and professionalism. He cares. I’m really happy with that.”
“During nearly two decades as Chief Financial Officer, John has demonstrated a clear commitment to equity, transparency and fiscal accountability in our schools,” Mayor Thomas Menino said in a press release.
Yesterday’s decision follows Johnson’s decision to retire after nearly six years as superintendent.
“Since my arrival in Boston six years ago, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with someone with John’s commitment and expertise. It is rare to find a Chief Financial Officer who combines extraordinary fiscal knowledge and skill with a deep understanding of how resources support the academic work in schools,” Johnson said in that same press release.
McDonough has served as interim superintendent whenever Johnson has been away.
Richard Stutman, President of the Boston Teachers Union, said in that release, “We are fortunate that the district will be in calm and capable hands during this transition period.”
McDonough’s appointment as interim superintendent is expected to become final once personnel issues, such as salary arrangements, are formalized.