BOSTON – The Boston School Committee has voted 5-0 to appoint Boston Public Schools Chief Financial Officer John McDonough as Interim Superintendent. McDonough, who has served as CFO since 1996, will lead the District after Superintendent Carol R. Johnson retires this summer.

“During nearly two decades as Chief Financial Officer, John has demonstrated a clear commitment to equity, transparency and fiscal accountability in our schools,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “He is a trusted leader who knows what it takes to ensure every student succeeds with the right resources in every classroom. John will do a great job building on all the progress we are making in our schools, which will give our community confidence that our schools are in great hands as the School Committee conducts a thorough search for Boston’s next Superintendent.”

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Superintendent Carol R. Johnson testified before the Joint Committee on Education on the Mayor's proposal to boost student achievement. The proposal would extend “turn-around” powers to Level 3 schools, eliminate the cap on In-District charters, and extend the school day. The bill is H529 – An Act Promoting Public School Success – sponsored by former Representative Marty Walz.

“We should not have to wait for a school to fail before we give it the tools to succeed,” Mayor Menino said. “I encourage this Committee to move quickly on this important legislation. I would tell you I have 8 months left to make this happen – but that’s too long. Our kids need action today.”

In his testimony, Mayor Menino acknowledged the handful of education reform bills before the Committee, and said he would support any bill that extends “turn-around” powers to more schools and allows for the creation of more In-District charter schools.