BPS Celebrates Superintendent Mary Skipper as 2026 Pinnacle Award Honoree

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women's Network selected Superintendent Mary Skipper as one of the 2026 Pinnacle Awards honorees.

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.

Another Course to College

On November 19, 2025, we are presenting a recommendation to the Boston School Committee (BSC) to close Another Course to College at the end of the 2026-2027 school year, in June 2027.

The BSC will vote on the closure on December 17, 2025.

Upcoming Community Engagement

District-Wide Survey (open from November 17, 2025 to December 11, 2025)
In-Person Community Meeting
- Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Address: Please see the letter emailed directly to the school community.

Recommendation Information

The district is recommending closing Another Course to College at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

This recommendation is based on a careful review of several key factors, including the building’s poor physical condition, its current usage, and its limited capacity to support the full range of programming and services that all students deserve. The building was designed for elementary aged students, and lacks a standalone gymnasium, auditorium and adequate outdoor spaces. This severely limits programming and extracurricular opportunities for ACC students, which are critical components of a rich and comprehensive high school experience. The school has also faced ongoing challenges with enrollment and retention, which further impacts programming options for students.

The school will be assigned a Senior Project Manager from the Capital Planning Team to help respond to the day-to-day needs of the school community in anticipation of this change. Stipended school-based Transition Support Coordinator will also be hired to assist with the transition process.

The district will work hand in hand with ACC School leadership to provide support for seamless transition for the school communities.

We expect the Boston School Committee to vote on this year’s recommendations on December 17, 2025.

If the recommendation is approved, Another Course to College will stop enrolling new Grade 9 students beginning in Fall 2026. Eligible students who are currently in Grade 12 will graduate as planned in June 2026, and eligible students currently in Grade 11 will move into Grade 12 next year and graduate in June 2027. All other students will receive priority in the school registration process, and the district will work closely with every family to help select a new school that best supports their student’s needs.