Laura Perille named interim superintendent of Boston Public Schools

The Boston School Committee tonight unanimously voted to approve Laura Perille as Interim Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools (BPS).

Laura Perille previously served as the President & CEO of EdVestors, a school improvement nonprofit with the mission of increasing the number of schools in Boston delivering dramatically improved educational outcomes for all students. Since its launch in 2002 under Laura's leadership, EdVestors has raised and helped investors direct more than $26 million in funds for urban school improvement. With tonight's appointment, Laura has taken a leave of absence from this role.

"There is no higher priority for us than the education of our students, and that is why it is so important to find the right person to continue moving our schools and our students forward during this transition," said Mayor Walsh. "I am confident that we have found that person in Laura Perille. Laura has a proven record of being a strong partner and advocate for Boston's school system, has made significant gains in closing the opportunity and achievement gaps for students and is a proud BPS parent. I am proud to welcome her on board, and look forward to our work ahead to continue putting students on a pathway to success."

"The Boston School Committee has placed its trust and confidence in Laura Perille as Interim Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools, and we look forward to working closely with her to provide stability in the district, while engaging with our school communities and continuing key initiatives aimed at closing opportunity and achievement gaps in our schools," said Michael Loconto, Chair of Boston School Committee.

"As someone who has dedicated my life's work to closing opportunity and achievement gaps, and delivering improved outcomes for students, I am honored and humbled to be named Interim Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools," said Laura Perille. "The students of Boston deserve the very best education, and I am committed to doing all I can to support and strengthen both the operational functions of the school system and learning opportunities for students."

Laura has served on a number of civic committees appointed by the Mayor or School Committee in Boston, including the External Advisory Committee on School Choice (2012-13) charged with redesigning Boston's student assignment system; the Education Transition Team for Mayor Walsh (2013-14); and the Superintendent Search Committee (2014-15) for Boston Public Schools. In 2016, Laura was presented with the national Arts Education Award from Americans for the Arts (AFTA) and was recently named to the Wales Education Commission and as an Honorary Professor of Practice at the University of Wales-Trinity Saint David.

Laura's nonprofit management career has focused on meeting the needs of children and families in Boston. Prior to EdVestors, Laura led Perille Consulting Group, and previously served as Director of Education for Crittenton Hastings House, Policy Analyst for Community Catalyst/Families USA, and Director of Programs for the Greater Boston Food Bank. A graduate of Brown University, Laura and her family live in Boston, where her children attended and graduated from the Boston Public Schools.