News  Elementary & Secondary Education Board Seeks Public Feedback in Search for Next DESE Commissioner

BOSTON — The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced three opportunities for the public to provide feedback in the search for the next commissioner to lead the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

In its commitment to giving all Massachusetts students access to a high-quality and equitable education, the Board and the Healey-Driscoll Administration are encouraging stakeholders—including students, educators, families and community members—to share their insights on what qualities, experience, and priorities they value in the next leader of the state’s education system.

“Selecting the next DESE commissioner is a critical decision for Massachusetts," said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. "We want to hear directly from the people most invested in our students’ success. Your perspectives and ideas will help us find a commissioner who is ready to meet the unique needs of our communities and who will work to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive." 

“One of the priorities of this search is the need for robust community engagement,” said Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Katherine Craven. “We want to make sure the public is involved in this process. That includes soliciting input from people living across Massachusetts from the Berkshires to Barnstable.” 

For those who cannot attend the sessions or who would like to provide further feedback, an online survey is available in multiple languages: DESE Commissioner Search Survey - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

The Board has retained Isaacson, Miller to support the hiring process. Chair Craven will soon convene a preliminary screening committee that will include four Board members (Chair Craven, Secretary Tutwiler, Dr. Ericka Fisher and Dr. Martin West) as voting members, as well as 20+ non-voting members comprised of a broad set of internal and external stakeholders to inform and support this effort. Learn more about these efforts: Doe.mass.edu/commissioner-search/.