Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has appointed Rachel Skerritt to the Boston School Committee, the body responsible for steering the trajectory of the Boston Public Schools (BPS). Skerritt will fulfill the term ending on January 1, 2028, bringing her background as a BPS alumna, parent, former teacher, district administrator, and school leader to the role. Her current role is as Chief Strategy Officer at Attuned Education Partners, where she assists a range of educational institutes, including PK-12 and charter school systems.
Wu praised Skerritt's dedication to public service, stating, "Rachel is a remarkable public servant who has devoted her career to investing in our young people and working in partnership with BPS communities." Wu highlighted Skerritt's comprehensive background and expressed confidence that her leadership would be key in furthering the goals of BPS, according to a statement on the City of Boston's official website. Skerritt herself acknowledges the significance of BPS in shaping her life and professional philosophy, expressing a deep commitment to serve students and families across the city.
Jeri Robinson, the Chairperson of the Boston School Committee, is looking to forward serve alongside Skerritt, noting her expertise as an asset for the committee’s mission to deliver a stronger, more equitable future for students. Superintendent Mary Skipper specifically cited Skerritt’s extensive educational leadership experience and her personal connection to Boston’s community, which she believes will benefit students and families greatly, as reported in a news release by the City of Boston.
Prior to her new appointment, Skerritt served as Head of School at Boston Latin School, led Eastern Senior High School out of federal turnaround status, and played a pivotal role in reforming the admissions policy for Boston's prestigious exam schools. Her career trajectory spans from teaching English to holding leadership positions such as BPS Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Leadership Development for DC Public Schools. The School Committee hopes to utilize her diverse experience to further define and reach the educational goals of the city, including supervising the annual budget, managing the Superintendent, and setting district policies for student success. Additionally, the Committee holds public meetings featuring comment periods, which are broadcast on Boston City TV, ensuring transparency and community engagement.
