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The Department has moved to 135 Santilli Highway in Everett. The Department's office and Licensure Welcome Center are open. The new location has free parking and is a short walk from the Wellington station on the MBTA's Orange Line.
Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

School and District Accountability and Assistance Advisory Council

The 15-member Advisory Council on School and District Accountability and Assistance (AAAC) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on matters pertaining to the development and implementation of the Commonwealth's School and District Accountability and Assistance system. To accomplish that goal, the Council reviews and advises the Department and Board on their accountability, assistance, and intervention policies and practices. The Council also reviews and comments on all regulations relative to the accountability and assistance program areas prior to Board approval.

The Board appoints members of the Advisory Council upon recommendation of the Commissioner. In accordance with state law, Council membership must consist of:

  • Six members selected from among three nominees offered by each of the following identified stakeholder groups:
    • Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents
    • Massachusetts Teachers Association or the American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts
    • Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association (now Massachusetts School Administrators' Association)
    • Massachusetts Elementary Principals Association (now Massachusetts School Administrators' Association)
    • Massachusetts Association of School Committees
    • Massachusetts Charter Public School Association
  • One representative of business or industry with a demonstrated commitment to education
  • Eight at large members with demonstrated records of achievement or academic expertise in areas related to accountability and assistance

The AAAC members reflect a broad range of experience and expertise and they have served the council well. Individuals who are interested in bringing similar insight and experience to this advisory group are encouraged to send a letter of interest and resume to Erica Gonzales, staff liaison to the AAAC, at erica.m.gonzales@mass.gov .

Council Members

NameTitleInstitutionMembership Type
Noah BergerDirector of the Center for Education Policy & PracticeMassachusetts Teachers AssociationTeachers union representative
Tamatha L. Bibbo, Ed. D.PrincipalPollard Middle School (Needham Public Schools)Massachusetts School Administrators Association representative (secondary)
Bill CameronSchool Committee MemberPittsfield School CommitteeMassachusetts Association of School Committees representative
Erin CooleyMassachusetts Policy DirectorDemocrats for Education ReformAt-large
Kerry DonahueEducation ConsultantAt-large
Heidi Driscoll*Assistant Superintendent of SchoolsScituate Public SchoolsAt-large
Barish IcinChief Executive OfficerPioneer Charter School of ScienceMassachusetts Charter Public School Association representative
Brandi KwongSuperintendentMethuen Public SchoolsAt-large
Ed LambertExecutive DirectorMassachusetts Business Alliance for EducationBusiness/industry representative
Glen McKayPrincipalJ. Turner Hood Elementary School (North Reading Public Schools)Massachusetts School Administrators Association representative (elementary)
Andrew O'LearyInterim SuperintendentNew Bedford Public SchoolsAt-large
Tim Piwowar*SuperintendentWestwood Public SchoolsMassachusetts Association of School Superintendents representative
(vacant)At-large
Dr. Yves Salomon-FernandezPresidentUrban College of BostonAt-large
Marc SmithSuperintendentDennis-Yarmouth Regional School DistrictAt-large

*Council Co-Chairperson

DESE Staff Contact

Erica Gonzales , Liaison to the Council

Meeting Schedule

DateTimeLocation
October 4, 20239:30am – 11:00amRemote Participation — Online
December 6, 20239:30am – 11:00amRemote Participation — Online
February 28, 2024 — Cancelled9:30am – 11:00amRemote Participation — Online
April 10, 20249:30am – 11:30amMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
June 12, 20249:30am – 11:00amRemote Participation — Online

Meeting Materials and Notes

Archived meeting materials and notes will be made available upon request.

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

 
Contact Us

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149

Voice: (781) 338-3000
TTY: (800) 439-2370

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