Superintendent names Interim Deputy Superintendent for Family and Community Engagement

BOSTON - Boston Public Schools Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant announced today the appointment of Dr. Karen Mapp as the Interim Deputy Superintendent for Family and Community Engagement.

Dr. Mapp most recently served as the President of the Institute for Responsive Education, a national research, policy and advocacy institute that works to build relationships among schools, families and communities. She also co-chaired, with School Committee Vice Chair Marchelle Raynor, the task force that presented the report and recommendations that drives the district's current family and community engagement work.

Superintendent Payzant said that he was pleased to have her step into this role.

"Karen brings knowledge, experience, commitment and enthusiasm to this position and will provide the leadership we need to help us reach our goal to make significant improvements in family and community engagement," he said. "She is very familiar with what we want to accomplish and I believe that working with the staff of the Family Resource Centers, the schools and all of those involved in the education of our students, we will be able to move forward with this vital work."

Dr. Mapp said that she looks forward to getting started in the position.

"I am delighted and honored to work for the district for this year," she said. "My goal is to help build partnerships among school, families and communities to ensure high quality education outcomes for all BPS students."

Dr. Mapp holds her Doctorate in Education and Masters in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University. She has worked as a facilitator in the Boston Public Schools, as the Assistant Director of the Massachusetts Planning Center, as well as in various positions at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard University. She has taught at the Northeastern University School of Education and at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Mapp is also a published writer with several of her writings appearing in education and research journals. Additionally, she has served on more than a dozen boards and committees that support education and family and community engagement.

Superintendent Payzant appointed Dr. Mapp to this position for a one-year period after Glenola Mitchell resigned as Deputy Superintendent for Family and Community Engagement last week.