District/School Administration Administration
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Advisory Council on School and District Accountability and Assistance

As reported to the Board at its September meeting, the Department is assuming responsibility for district and school accountability under legislation signed by Governor Patrick in August. The structures outlined in the new law replace the former Office of Educational Quality and Accountability and its board, the Educational Management Audit Council. One requirement of the new law is the formation of an Advisory Council on School and District Accountability and Assistance. This memo outlines the responsibilities of that Council and presents my recommendations for membership of the Council for Board action at its October meeting.

Responsibilities of the Advisory Council

The legislation requires creation of a 15-member advisory council that will:

• Review and advise the Department and Board on the policies and practices of the office of school and district accountability.
• Develop and administer through the Department a post-audit survey of audited school districts and an annual survey to any schools and districts receiving technical assistance.
• Present its findings and recommendations to the Board at least two times annually.
• Review and comment on all regulations relative to the accountability and assistance program areas before Board approval.

The Board appoints members of the advisory council and its chair upon recommendation of the Commissioner. The Commissioner must recommend:

• 6 members selected from among three nominees offered by identified stakeholder groups:
  • Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents
  • Massachusetts Teachers Association and the American Federation of Teachers of Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association
  • Massachusetts Elementary Principals Association
  • Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and
  • Massachusetts Charter Public School Association
• 1 representative of business/industry "with a demonstrated commitment to education"
• 8 at large members each with a "demonstrated record of achievement or academic expertise" in areas related to accountability and assistance.

The council is expected to meet at least four times annually. Its first meeting will be on November 3, 2008.

Recommendations for Membership

42 individuals were nominated for membership on the Advisory Council, three each from the named associations, and 24 others for at large seats on the Council. Some were nominated by others; most nominated themselves.

I am pleased to be able to recommend for membership a strong, balanced group of committed volunteers representing an appropriate range of backgrounds, experiences and roles within and outside of public education (see attached). I am also pleased to nominate Joseph Esposito to serve as Chair of the Advisory Council. Mr. Esposito is a respected businessman and former school committee member who served ably as a member of the EMAC board from 2006 to 2008. His experience in that role combined with his deep interest in school district accountability and assistance will enable him to lead this newest Advisory Council with distinction. The resumes of all recommended nominees are attached for your review.

Enclosure:

   2008-2009 Candidates for Appointment to the Massachusetts Board of Education Advisory Councils, School and District Accountability and Assistance