Dear George,

During our fourteen years (1976-1990) in Boston we had the opportunity of observing the activities of that city's elected School Committee ( School Board ) and also participated in a number of School Committee elections. Before long it became clear to us that election to the School Committee had become the first step in a political career for most of the candidates, including those who won the elections. The most striking attribute of most members was that they had no interest in education. Getting jobs and contracts for their friends and supporters was their main goal.

Although it was widely recognized that there were other factors that had contributed to the failure of most of Boston's schools, the elected School Committee was abolished following a nonbinding referendum in 1989 and an act of the state legislature in 1991. The first appointed School Committee was constituted in 1992. The procedure for its appointment is attached for your interest ( for much more information see the Boston School Committee website: boston.k12.ma.us/schcom/ ).

Charlottesville doesn't have the same political culture as Boston, is a much smaller place and has many good schools, but it does face some of the same problems as Boston.

We think that it would not be wise to jump to an elected School Board in the name of democracy and accountability. We elect our City Councillors democratically and they are accountable to us. The lines of responsibility are clear. Improvements in the appointment process have been made recently. Others, along the lines of the Boston procedure, should be considered.

Sincerely,

Gene and Jane Foster (electronic mail, January 6, 2001).

The Boston School Committee is the governing body which sets policy for the Boston Public Schools.

The seven members of the School Committee are appointed by the Mayor of Boston to serve four-year staggered terms. The Mayor may only appoint members from a list of candidates recommended by a 13-member Citizens Nominating Panel.

The panel is composed of the following members:

-four parents with children in the Boston Public Schools, one each chosen by four active parent organizations;

-one teacher, chosen by the Boston Teachers Union;

-one principal or headmaster, chosen by the Boston Association of School Administrators and Supervisors;

-one business person, chosen on a rotating basis by the Boston Private Industry Council, the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce;

-one college or university president, chosen by the State Chancellor of Education;

-the state Commissioner of Education;

-four other members, chosen by the Mayor.

Each fall, the panel accepts applications for the School Committee, and in December recommends to the Mayor three to five names for each vacancy. The Mayor appoints members to vacant positions in January of each year.

Under Chapter 108, the Mayor "shall strive to appoint individuals who reflect the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity" of the city.

School Committee members are eligible to receive an annual stipend of $7,500.