Boston Mayor Michellle Wu vetoes bill to overhaul School Committee

St. Patrick's Day Parade-Boston Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins in singing the National Anthem before the start of the St. Patrick's Day parade, Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Boston's South Boston neighborhood. The traditional parade was held Sunday in the neighborhood for the first time since the start of the pandemic. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (Steven Senne/AP)

By Bryan Lambert

BOSTON — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has vetoed a bill that would mandate a switch to an elected school committee.

In a letter to Boston City Council on Friday, Wu said transitioning to a new model could create instability in the Boston school system.

“I deeply respect that the proponents of this proposal are motivated by a commitment to supporting Boston’s young people-a commitment I share with urgency,” Wu wrote in the letter. “Respectfully, I cannot support legislative changes that would compromise our ability to stabilize and support the Boston Public Schools during this critical period.”

Members of the Boston City Council approved the bill by a 7-5 margin two days ago, according to The Boston Globe.

Under the current system, the sitting mayor personally appoints the members of the School Committee.

Despite her disapproval of the bill, Wu wrote in her letter that she is confident that “transformative” changes are on the horizon.

“BPS is entering a new era-one where every student can develop a love of learning that will last long after they graduate. Of course, there is much work to do together,” says the mayor.

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