Wu appoints former Boston Latin head to School Committee

fuerza943fm August 26, 2025

Education

“The trajectory of my life was changed due to preparation and experiences I had as a Boston Public Schools student.”

Rachel Skerritt poses for a portrait at Eastern Senior High School in Washington D.C., Thursday, March 30, 2017. Zach Gibson for The Boston Globe

The former head of Boston Latin School has been appointed to serve on the Boston School Committee, Mayor Michelle Wu announced Monday.

Rachel Skerritt spent five years as the leader of BLS, one of the highest profile posts in the district at the nation’s oldest public school.

“I proudly wear the hat of BPS parent, and look forward to the honor of serving on the Boston School Committee in service of students and families across the city as we collaborate to ensure success in career and life for all of our young people,” Skerritt said in a statement.

During her time at BLS, the district was rocked by the pandemic and concerns over admissions policies. Skerritt served on a committee-appointed task force to restructure exam school admissions policy.

today, Wu has tapped her to serve on the School Committee through the end of 2027. Skerritt replaces former member Chantal Lima Barbosa, who stepped last month to pursue other opportunities.

“Rachel is a remarkable public servant who has devoted her career to investing in our young people and working in partnership with BPS communities,” Wu said in a statement.

Skerritt, who is currently the Chief Strategy Officer at Attuned Education Partners, also worked in the district as an English teacher and as BPS’s Chief of Staff.

“The trajectory of my life was changed due to preparation and experiences I had as a Boston Public Schools student,” Skerritt said in a statement. “BPS also shaped my identity and philosophy as an educator, with many of my formative leadership experiences taking place in our schools and at the central office.”

The terms of Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, the president of education company Mrs. Wordsmith, and Stephen Alkins, the DEI officer of a STEM education nonprofit, both expire in January of 2026.