Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Boston School Committee elects Michael O’Neill as Chairperson
Alfreda Harris elected vice chairperson at annual organizational meeting
Contact Information:
BPS Communications Office 617-635-9265, communications@bostonpublicschools.org
January 8, 2013
Members of the Boston School Committee elected Michael D. O’Neill as their next chairperson, succeeding immediate-past chairperson Rev. Gregory G. Groover, Sr., who served in that capacity for the past four years. During the committee’s annual organizational meeting, members also elected Alfreda Harris to serve as vice chairperson.
“Michael is the perfect choice to lead the school committee at this important time, and I’m proud that this group continues to put the education of our students first,” Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. “Michael will serve as an advocate for youth across our city, building on all the past success of Reverend Groover.”
Mr. O’Neill, who was appointed December 31 by Mayor Menino to his second four-year term on the committee, is a Charlestown resident and a graduate of the Boston Public Schools.
“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen by my colleagues on the school committee to serve as Chairperson,” said Mr. O’Neill. “We know the work ahead of us will not always be easy, but if we continue to keep all students as our primary focus, we will succeed in seeing our schools grow to new heights.”
Mr. O’Neill currently works for life insurance company SBLI of Massachusetts as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Distribution. He most recently served as vice chairperson on the school committee.
“Michael is uniquely qualified to serve as chairperson of the school committee, and I was proud to voice my vote in his favor,” said Rev. Groover, who will remain on the committee as a member. “The decisions facing this committee will have an important impact on the future of the school district. I have no doubt Michael will lead the committee well and consider many voices in all aspects of the decision making process.”
Ms. Harris, who was appointed vice chairperson, has held her seat on the board since 1993 making her the longest-serving school committee member currently serving on the board. She is also a graduate of Boston Public Schools and resides in Roslindale.
