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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu held a press conference Thursday morning, welcoming new Superintendent of Schools Mary Skipper.
"I couldn't be more excited as a city leader, as a resident of Boston, and as a mom with two kids in our schools, Mayor Wu said in a press conference outside TechBoston academy.
The Boston School Committee voted to choose Mary Skipper as the new Superintendent of Boston Public Schools Wednesday evening. Skipper had been the Superintendent of Somerville Public Schools, and previously oversaw 34 schools as the Network Superintendent of High Schools for BPS.
"I'm so grateful that we've had a comprehensive, inclusive, empowering search over the past few months with the city of Boston," said Mayor Wu. "Thousands of residents weighed in. we interviewed dozens of candidates from around the country."
Dr. Brenda Cassellius is stepping down as superintendent on Thursday, after three years at the helm of the district. Just days ago, Boston Public Schools reached a deal with the city of Boston and state officials to avert a state takeover. Under the deal, the district has committed to make improvements in school security, transportation, special education, and ESL classes.
At the conference, Superintendent Skipper said "we need every Boston Public School to be a place where staff know they're going to be supported and have the tools they need to serve our students and families, and we need it to be a place where families trust that what we say we're going to do — we're going to do."
"Get ready. This is going to be fun, it's going to be a good ride," she went on to say. "Most importantly, this day forward, students should always begin our conversation and should always end our conversation."
The decision had been narrowed down between Skipper and Region 1 Superintendent for Boston Public Schools Dr. Tommy Welch, both of whom went through a public interview process last week.
Dr. Welch put out a statement, saying “despite the process not ending how I would have preferred, I have a renewed sense of commitment to my work in Region 1, and am encouraged more than ever before about the future of BPS. As we head toward the upcoming school year, I will continue my work with the school communities in East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End, doing my part in moving the district forward. It is my goal to further support the students, families, staff members, leaders, and school communities of BPS. Superintendent Skipper and I both care deeply about the future of Boston’s children. I look forward to working with our new leader and her team to improve educational outcomes for our young people in every neighborhood of our great city."
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