The Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education was Horace Mann.
The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is responsible for interpreting and implementing laws related to public education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.The regulations adopted by the BESE are good faith interpretations of Massachusetts state and federal law.The BESE's responsibilities include granting and renewing charter school applications, developing and implementing the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), submitting yearly budget proposals for public education to theMassachusetts General Court, setting the standards for and certifying teachers, principals, and Supts, as well as
The second oldest state board of education in the United States was established in 1836.In his address to the legislature, the Governor recommended the establishment of a board of education.His argument was short and to the point.
While a deep sense of personal obligation to the common schools will always be cherished by me, it must be candidly admitted that they are vulnerable to great improvements.It is possible that the school houses will be rendered more commodious.It is necessary to provide the advantages of education throughout the year to all of a proper age.Small school libraries, maps, globes, and scientific apparatus should be furnished, as well as teachers who are well qualified to give elementary instruction in all the branches of useful knowledge.I submit to the Legislature that the creation of a board of commissioners of schools without salary, with authority to appoint a secretary, on a reasonable compensation, would not be of great utility.[3]
The bill sponsored by the Committee on Education was defeated in the House.The bill was eventually passed because of the efforts of Mr. Carter.The board's first Secretary was appointed by the President of the Massachusetts State Senate.[5]
The governor appoints 10 of the 11 members, including his Secretary of Education, who serves ex officio, and one is a public school student elected by his or her peers.The chairman of the student advisory council was selected by the governor from a list of 3 nominees from the Massachusetts State Labor Council.The chairperson is appointed by the governor.The Chief State School Officer for Elementary and Secondary Education must be approved by two thirds of the board in order to be effective.The Commissioner does not vote.The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is managed by him and his salary is determined by the Board.[3]
The BESE was composed of 9 voting members before legislation was introduced by Governor Patrick.
Chapter 15: Section 1G of the General Laws of Massachusetts was used to create a number of Advisory Councils that support the Board with research, recommendations and representation by a voting member.The advisorycouncils include:
Community Service Learning and Adult Basic Education are included.
One of the BESE's members is a Massachusetts public school student.The position was created by legislation.The Massachusetts State Student Advisory Council was established by this legislation.The chairperson is a full voting member on the BESE."If we are to replace confrontation with deliberation and shouting with dialogue, youth must be invited in, not shut out," said Governor Sargent at the filing of the bill.A climate where young and old can talk and listen.[21]
James Morton is Vice-Chair, Boston James Peyser is Secretary of Education, and Jeff Riley is the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Matt Hills and Paymon Rouhanifard Mary Ann Stewart and Marty West.
George S. Boutwell was the first secretary of the board.
The Chair of the State Student Advisory Council is Jeff DeFlavio.