Last week, Acting Mayor Kim Janey announced “important steps to move the Boston School Committee forward with greater equity and opportunity” at a press conference on June 16.
The announcement follows the resignation of two Boston School Committee members, Alex Oliver-Davila and Lorna Rivera, after disparaging text messages came to light, leaving two spots open.
At the press conference, Janey announced that Betty Francisco, a Boston Public Schools (BPS) parent and Dorchester resident, has been appointed to the Boston School Committee nominating panel. Fransisco is also the co-founder of Amplify Latinx.
“I know Betty to be a thought leader and a problem solver,” Janey said, “and I’m thrilled that she will begin her service today, along with Laurie Ciardi, Tony Barros, Jerry Howland, Angelina Camacho, Michelle Cannon, Joanne Freeman, Michael McGuire, Susan Ou, Valerie Roberson, John Riordan, Rhoda Schneider, and William Thomas. This panel will guide the application process for new members of the Boston School Committee.”
Janey continued, “The nominating panel will recommend school committee nominees for my consideration within 30 days. I want to invite all those who care about the future of BPS to consider this important opportunity to serve.”
The panel began accepting nominations on June 17, and Janey said that “all Boston residents are eligible to apply on boston.gov.”
Janey said that over 40 percent of BPS students are Latinx, and “with the resignation of two Latino leaders, there is a void that must be filled.”
She also announced that Race, Equity, and Leadership Training (REAL) will be provided to all Boston School Committee members as well as all City of Boston staff.
“Equity in Boston Public Schools cannot wait,” Janey said. “As mayor, I am committed to creating opportunities for all children in Boston Public Schools.”