BPS launches Management Institute to strengthen finance and operations

BOSTON – It’s back-to-school time in the Boston Public Schools – and not just for the kids. The school district has launched the new Boston Public Schools (BPS) Management Institute to provide professional development and establish performance goals for senior and mid-level operations and finance managers.

The program is designed to develop management skills among central office staff, and to apply those skills in defining and achieving operational efficiency. Professional development sessions will cover a range of subjects, such as strategy, human capital, marketing, and operational effectiveness. Each participant will establish a specific, measurable “performance challenge,” aligned with the district’s goals, to be completed during a 12-week period. Participants will apply classroom learning to achieve their performance challenges with the help of one-on-one and small group meetings with an executive coach.

“Our first priority is to support the vital work of teaching and learning that takes place in our schools every day,” said Dr. Carol R. Johnson, Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. “The Management Institute is designed to ensure that our central offices provide top-notch service to schools and families, directing as many of our precious resources as possible to classroom instruction and student achievement. This program will help our operations leaders improve their managerial skills and be held accountable for results with specific performance targets.”

Beginning this month, cohorts of 25 managers will participate in an intensive three-month program, delivered in partnership with the District Management Council and funded by a private donor. The first year of the program will involve managers from the district’s operations and finance divisions – such as Human Resources, Budget, Business Services, Facilities Management, Technology, Athletics, Food & Nutrition Services and Transportation – with plans to expand the program to other departments in future years.

“BPS is excited to bring this management training program to central office leadership,” said William Horwath, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. “We recognize that human capital is our most valuable asset, and this program seeks to support and build capacity among a cadre of operational managers who are critical to the effectiveness and efficiency of the district.”

_{The District Management Council (DMC) is the nation’s premier network of public school district leaders, representing 3 million students in 28 states. With a mission of improving operational effectiveness, reducing costs and improving student achievement, DMC provides superior management insights and tactical solutions to the most common and pressing challenges facing school system leaders today. For more information, visit www.dmcouncil.org.}