November 1, 2004

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino's handpicked person to be the Boston Superintendent of Schools some 10 years ago, Tom Payzant, received the Richard R. Green Award October 21, which goes to the nation's outstanding urban superintendent. This award is given by the Council of Great City Schools.

Payzant, as superintendent of Boston's schools, is a member of Menino's cabinet. The mayor personally recruited Payzant when the mayor gained responsibility for the city's school system. In accepting the award, Payzant said, "The partnership of mayoral leadership and involvement, a responsive school committee and the superintendent all working together enables the system to work for students. I am privileged to have the opportunity to work with the mayor that makes it easier to improve education for all students. One thing that helps me be successful is that I have direct access to all of the other city agencies that affect the students and their families, because I am a member of the mayor's cabinet and attend the meetings."