Boston Public Schools Celebrates Superintendent Mary Skipper as 2026 Pinnacle Award Honoree

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 5, 2025 -The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women's Network selected Superintendent Mary Skipper as one of the 2026 Pinnacle Awards honorees for Achievement in Management – Government. The annual Pinnacle Awards are one of the region's highest professional distinctions for women leaders, recognizing their achievements in business, government, and management. This prestigious award recognizes Superintendent Skipper's leadership and her commitment to building a stronger, more equitable school district for Boston's students, families, and educators. 

"It is an honor to be recognized alongside so many remarkable women leaders who are shaping the future of our region," said Superintendent Mary Skipper. "It takes a village to support our school communities and this award reflects the dedication of our educators, staff, families, and partners who work every day to uplift our students. Boston's youth deserve the very best and I am proud to lead a district of talented leaders and educators who are deeply committed to their success."

 

Since her selection by the Boston School Committee in 2022, Superintendent Skipper has championed transformative initiatives to modernize school facilities, expand multilingual education, strengthen pathways from school to career, and ensure that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment.

 

Superintendent Sipper will be recognized at the 2026 Pinnacle Awards Ceremony on January 30, 2026, where more than 1,200 business, civic, and community leaders will gather to celebrate this year's honorees.

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About Boston Public Schools

The Boston Public Schools (BPS), the birthplace of public education in the United States, serves more than 48,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 121 schools. BPS is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary 

teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life.

 

About the Chamber’s Women’s Network

In the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Network, there is a diverse group of more than 3,000 women and male allies at all levels of their careers, from all backgrounds, sectors, and industries, and professions, with the collective mission to make Greater Boston the best place for professional women to thrive. For 30 years, the Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all backgrounds and career levels. The Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women.

 

About the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is the convener, voice, and advocate of the region’s business community, committed to making Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. We help our members and Greater Boston succeed by convening and connecting the business community; researching, developing and advocating for public policies that contribute to our region’s economic success; and providing comprehensive learning and development programs designed to grow strong business and civic leaders. Learn more at BostonChamber.com.

Mario Umana Academy Teacher Thomas Simmons named  Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Finalist

In early December, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced Thomas Simmons, a middle school English and history/social studies teacher at the Mario Umana Academy, as a finalist for the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. The Umana is a dual-language school in East Boston.

Simmons was described as a lifelong learner who recognizes his students’ strengths and encourages them to learn from each other. As a finalist, Wellpoint, a health benefits company, generously awarded the school $5,000, which can be used to support student learning or school programming needs.

Simmons was nominated in January 2025 and went through a rigorous process, which included reviewing sample teaching videos, interviews, references, and classroom observations by DESE.

Congratulations to Mr. Simmons on this incredible achievement!

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BPS Celebrates Historic Wins in Soccer and Cross Country

Boston Public Schools (BPS) is celebrating its student athletes in soccer and cross country after their historic wins at the 2025 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Championships this fall.

The Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINcA) boys soccer team became the first BPS soccer team in district history to win a state championship. BINcA won the MIAA Division 5 championship 2-0 over Hopedale on Saturday, November 22 at Curry College in Milton.

Earlier in the month, both BPS Cooperative Cross Country boys and girls teams won championships in their respective categories at the MIAA Division 2 Championships. It was the first time that a BPS boys team and the first time a BPS girls team won an MIAA championship in cross country.

Congratulations to our student athletes on an outstanding season!