Governor Healey Appoints New Member to Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Governor Healey Appoints New Member to  

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education 

Kristen Smidy, former superintendent of Gateway Regional School District,  

brings Western MA experience to the Board 

 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that Governor Maura Healey has appointment Kristen Smidy as the newest member of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Smidy is a former teacher, principal and superintendent with nearly 20 years of experience as an educator in Massachusetts. She currently serves as the Associate Director for Accreditation and School Improvement on the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Public Schools.  

 

“We are excited to welcome Kristen Smidy to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Her leadership and deep commitment to high-quality instruction, student support and community connections will be a great asset to the Board. She brings an important perspective will be a powerful voice for students and families in Western Massachusetts.” 

  

“I am delighted to welcome the well-respected former Superintendent Kristen Smidy to the Board,” said Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Katherine Craven. “Superintendent Smidy brings valuable insight to our Board, not only due to her direct experience running a Western Massachusetts regional school district, but also because of her deep knowledge of statewide educational accreditation best practices." 

 

Smidy joined NEASC in the fall of 2025 after almost five years as superintendent for the Gateway Regional School District in Huntington, Massachusetts. She previously served as the principal of Hampshire Regional High School and began her career as a 6^th and 7^th grade social studies teacher at Duggan Middle School in Springfield.  

 

“It is an honor to serve on the Board and to bring forward the voices of students across Massachusetts, from our cities to small, rural towns across the state and particularly from Western Massachusetts,” said Kristen Smidy. “I am committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunities they deserve.” 

 

Smidy has served on the Legislative Committee for the Massachusetts School Superintendents, the Connecticut Valley Superintendent Roundtable Executive Board, and the Massachusetts Inclusive Higher Education task force. She is a graduate of UMass Amherst and Boston University. 

 

Learn more about the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the members’ full bios. 

 

Statements of Support

 

Dr. Mary M. Bourque, Executive Director Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.): 

“Kristen Smidy is an outstanding choice for this position. As Superintendent of Gateway Regional School District and a member of the M.A.S.S Legislative Committee, she demonstrated a keen understanding of some of the most critical issues in PK-12 public education in the Commonwealth, particularly the significant challenges and needs in our rural districts. Kristen will bring to the Board a strong sense of pragmatism and a tremendous ability to get to the core of complex issues.” 

 

Jessica Tang, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President: 

“Students, families, and educators across the Commonwealth have a strong advocate in Kristen Smidy and we are excited to see someone with such a strong connection to and understanding of public schools in Massachusetts appointed to the Board. From her time as a social studies teacher at the Duggan Middle School in Springfield through her years leading regional school districts in Western Massachusetts, Kristen brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of our rural and high-needs districts, the same communities being impacted the most by the federal disruptions to public education. We look forward to seeing Kristen bring her years of experience in our public schools and her unwavering commitment to her students to move the Board forward in its work to support the public schools, students, and educators of Massachusetts.” 

 

State Senator Jo Comerford (D - Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester):  

"Kudos to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for appointing former Gateway Regional School Superintendent Kristen Smidy to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Before today, no BESE member represented Hampshire, Franklin, or Berkshire Counties on this statewide body. This news gives us a necessary seat at the table and is a very positive and welcome first step." 

 

State Senator John Velis (D- Hampden and Hampshire):  

“I am beyond thrilled that Kristen Smidy has been appointed to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Having had the honor of working with Kristen during her time as Superintendent to the Gateway Regional School district I know she will be an invaluable asset to the Board as they continue to shape and strengthen our Commonwealth’s public education system to help all of our students succeed regardless of zip code.” 

 

State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa (D - 1st Hampshire): 

“I first came to know Kristen Smidy during her tenure at Hampshire Regional High School, where she skillfully led the school through the challenges of the pandemic. She earned the deep respect of students, families, and colleagues, and was a tireless advocate for her school community. In the years since, Kristen has become a strong and consistent voice for rural education, demonstrating a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing our most rural towns. She brings both insight and dedication to the work of ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education. Kristen will be a powerful addition to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, offering a much-needed western Massachusetts perspective rooted in equity and fairness. I couldn’t be more thrilled by her appointment.” 

 

State Representative Natalie Blais (D - 1st Franklin): 

“Kristen Smidy has been a tenacious and tireless advocate for rural schools in Massachusetts. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and from the countless number of students that she has engaged in the legislative process. Her appointment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration underscores the importance of having diverse perspectives at the table to ensure that every student, regardless of zip code, receives the very best education that our Commonwealth can provide.” 

Governor Healey Signs Bill Providing Critical Funding for Hospitals and Community Health Centers in Massachusetts

Governor Healey Signs Bill Providing Critical Funding for Hospitals and Community Health Centers in Massachusetts   

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act making appropriations for fiscal year 2025 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects to ensure critical funding for hospitals and community health centers in Massachusetts while also reimbursing for services for uninsured and underinsured residents.  

“It is important to support our hospitals and community health centers so our residents get the access and quality of care they deserve across Massachusetts. This package is a step forward in maintaining our world-class health care ecosystem,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We have the best hospitals in the world, but with existing strains on our health care system and the harm coming from President Trump’s budget cuts, we need to support our trusted institutions that provide people the care they need. I’m grateful for the Legislature for passing this essential funding.”  

“This key legislation will support our hospitals across Massachusetts with the important funding they need to continue to deliver care and high-quality services for patients,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “At a time when we’re seeing major threats to our health care systems, it’s more important now than ever before to stand up in support of quality care.” 

“HSN represents the foundation of dignity in health care: a guarantee that you can receive emergency care wherever you in the state, regardless of insurance status.  This legislation provides stability for both patients and health care providers. People in Massachusetts can continue to seek the care they need and our hospitals and community health centers can continue their mission to support their communities,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “We will continue to adapt to additional pressures on our Health Safety Net and work closely with stakeholders, including regular meetings with hospital providers, to ensure continued access to care for residents.” 

“This funding will help to ensure that financially strained hospitals and community health centers can continue to serve patients across Massachusetts,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “As broad fiscal uncertainty and actions taken by the Trump Administration continue to exacerbate the challenges that hospitals are already facing, this supplemental budget is the latest example of the work that we are doing here in Massachusetts to provide targeted support where it is needed most. I want to thank Governor Healey, along with Chair Michlewitz, Chair Lawn and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for recognizing the need for this funding.” 

“Massachusetts has a healthcare ecosystem that is the envy of other states, and that doesn’t happen by accident. It is in large part because of our health care providers' commitment to providing top-notch care to every resident who comes through their doors,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This funding will help stabilize our hospitals and community health centers as we continue to face federal chaos. I’m proud that the Senate led the charge on this, and I'm grateful to the Governor for her quick signature." 

Key provisions of the bill include: 

• $122 million for acute care hospitals serving a high percentage of low-income patients and under financial distress. 

• $77 million for the Health Safety Net Trust Fund, to reimburse hospitals and community health centers for services provided to uninsured and underinsured individuals. 

• An additional $35 million to community health centers and hospital licensed health centers, including $2.5 million earmarked for shared services. 

While the state experiences significant demand for uncompensated care every year, hospitals and health centers are more acutely feeling strain this year due to more hospitals accepting patients on public payor insurance, growing expenses and increased use of services. In order to address the immediate shortfall, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and partners in the Legislature moved quickly to provide additional funding and relief for hospitals and community health centers.  

"This legislation will offer critical relief towards hospitals and community health centers all across the Commonwealth. In the midst of serious turmoil and spending cuts from the federal government, these funds will provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations”, said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). "I want to thank Speaker Mariano, and all my colleagues in the Legislature for supporting this initiative. I also want to thank Governor Healey for her timely approval of this important funding package and for her commitment to protecting the Commonwealth's health care infrastructure." 

“With the stroke of Governor Healey's pen, this $234 million relief package will provide an infusion of critical financial support to fiscally strained hospitals and community health centers, up against increasing health care costs exacerbated by continued economic and federal uncertainty” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I would like to thank the Governor and her team for their swift action, along with Senate President Spilka, my Senate colleagues, and our partners in the House for their efforts and collaboration to ensure we can deliver this vital assistance to the health care providers who represent the backbone of our Commonwealth's healthcare ecosystem." 

“Our hospitals and community health centers continue to step up to care for those most in need despite being under enormous financial pressure," said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. "New policies from the federal government will only exacerbate the strain on our health care infrastructure, so for Massachusetts to continue to be a leader in providing exceptional health care, we need care to be accessible, especially to our most vulnerable populations. I am thankful to the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature for prioritizing this supplemental budget to deliver necessary funding to ensure access to care.”  

“Thank you to the Healey Administration, House and Senate leadership, and all of my colleagues for recognizing the urgency of delivering critical funding to support our hospitals and community health centers,” said Representative John Lawn (D-Watertown), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “The Commonwealth will not turn away patients, abandon providers or retreat from our responsibility to ensure that every resident has access to high-quality care.”

波士頓移民進步辦公室訂10/24舉辦第2屆移民進步論壇

 MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR IMMIGRANT ADVANCEMENT TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL IMMIGRANT ADVANCEMENT FORUM 

BOSTON - September 22 - Today, the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) announced that the second annual Immigrant Advancement Forum will be on Friday, October 24, from 9 am to 4 pm, in Roxbury. 

 

The Immigrant Advancement Forum is a free-to-attend initiative from the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA). MOIA brings together stakeholders from government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community groups to learn how to work collaboratively to support immigrant communities and their needs. 

 

This event lays the foundation for what MOIA envisions as a vital annual gathering to build upon the connections and momentum generated each year, creating a sustained effort to enhance our region's capacity to welcome, support, and uplift immigrant and refugee residents. The Forum is a registration-only event for community organizations, nonprofits, and their teams, not the general public.

 

This year, MOIA welcomes applications from organizations and their staff to submit applications to lead workshops or serve as speakers, making the event a community-curated experience that directly addresses the most pressing issues facing immigrant communities and their providers. Presenters will receive an honorarium. To learn more, people can visit: Boston.Gov/ImmigrantForum. 

(Boston Orange)

Boston Mayor delivered her annual speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you to Jim, Corey, and everyone at the Chamber for convening us today.

Thank you to my colleagues in elected office here for your service, and congratulations to the City Councilors for your strong showing in the Prelim as you gear up for November. And thank you, Miceal, for your kind introduction and for your partnership in creating and capitalizing on remarkable opportunities for Boston, from putting Boston on the global stage every Marathon Monday, to watching out for our neighborhoods. Congratulations on the recent news that Bank of America will be the financing partner for Boston Legacy FC to join with the City of Boston, and after decades of broken promises and failed plans, finally redevelop White Stadium to give our Boston Public Schools students what they deserve, which is the very best.

Speaking of our young people: I have two very happy BPS students in my household with the news that both Lego and now Hasbro will move their headquarters to Boston by the end of 2026. Not only will this bring 1500 jobs to our city, it means that now, when the kids are begging for that Millenium Falcon Lego set at Target, they’ll go straight to, “But mom, don’t you want to support the local economy?”

I think it’s fair to say these moves make Boston the toy capital of the world. And in all seriousness, these aren’t small moves. These are global companies with lots of options, 

and they join other global powerhouses who are choosing Boston as the hub of talent and opportunity.

Last week I spoke with Joe Bae to celebrate KKR’s expansion in Boston, leasing more than 130,000 square feet of office space in the financial district. And then I joined Noubar Afeyan on stage at Leader Bank Pavilion to greet 3,000 scientists and innovators gathered together for Flagship Pioneering’s celebration of 25 years launching 100

companies in the life sciences.

Hasbro, LEGO, Foundation Medicine, Eli Lilly, Bain, Ropes and Gray, PwC, Vertex, and companies of every scale are choosing to build or expand their footprint here; and in

every conversation with these CEOs and their teams, I hear the same theme: They’re choosing Boston because of our people.

So today I want to focus my remarks on what competitiveness actually means: Not clinging onto corporate tax cuts on the backs of Boston’s homeowners and seniors; not trying to undo the Millionaire’s tax and other revenue sources to strain state and municipal budgets even further.

Competitiveness in this economy and in this moment means working together to nurture, recruit, and promote top talent—building up the community and workforce that any company would consider relocating to join.

So when I say I’m fighting to make Boston a home for everyone, I’m talking about making Boston the human capital capital of the world—the talent capital of the world. When I highlight that Boston is the safest major city in America, I’m emphasizing our determination to uphold the highest standards for safety and belonging so talent can thrive and businesses can grow.

When I push to expand fare-free bus service, it’s to make the ultimate capitalist investment in removing friction from our economy by getting talent where they need to go: To our world-class universities, to work, and to restaurants and shops.

When I work to expand our free museum program, called Boston Family Days, it’s to

help everyone in our workforce give their children the world and for our children, the

next generation of talent, to cultivate their spark of creativity, wonder, and discovery.

When I push to narrow health disparities and build pipelines from our schools into

health careers, it’s because a healthy workforce is a strong and sustainable one.

When I say Boston won’t back down from being a beacon of freedom, I’m talking about

standing strong to protect and recruit scientists and researchers, immigrant innovators

and essential workers, and every American seeking a welcoming community, where we

are free to live our lives in full bloom and give our all to the next big idea that can

change the world.

When I say this is our city, I mean for nearly 400 years, Boston has refused to bow down

or sit back in times of challenge. And we are determined, no matter who comes at us, to

make this the best place to raise a family, whether you were born here, came here to

study, or came here to find safety and opportunity.

City of Champions, City on a hill, Hub of the universe’s top talent. You can’t beat Boston.

Up against federal threats, rising tides, and chaotic markets, Boston is and will be the best place to build a business because we are making Boston the best place for families of every culture and every generation.

Two weeks ago, those families—that talent pool—had something to say at the ballot box.

Every election is a referendum. September 9th showed that the people of Boston reward

results.

Over the past four years, our administration, working alongside our city, state, and

federal partners, and supported by partnerships with every sector, implemented a

whole-of-government approach to make Boston the best city for families.

And we got results:

We’re the safest major city in America, driving violence and crimes down to 70-year lows.

There are more than 1,000 new first-time homeowners in Boston, more than ever

before. 1,400 families have been stabilized through our Acquisition program, which

takes properties off the speculative market and makes them permanently affordable.

Thank you to our partners in funding this work, Mass General Brigham, Boston

Children’s, Beth Israel, Dana-Farber, Boston Medical, Tufts Medicine, Eastern Bank, the

Boston Foundation and Barr Foundation for your partnership and for recognizing that

your workforce—from PAs, CNAs and nurses to doctors, custodians, and office

staff—should be able to afford to live in the city they serve.

$35 million in grants to more than 1,500 small businesses, more than 70% of them

owned by people of color. 5,000 free Boston preK seats for our youngest learners. 10,000

students working paid youth summer jobs, the most ever. 12,000 units of housing

delivered since taking office, with tens of thousands more approved and on the way.

65,000 free museum visits for Boston students and their families, with a new

performing arts lineup to be announced this week. Nearly 20 million trips on our

fare-free bus routes.

Because at the end of the day, when we invest in our kids and our families, we invest in

the future of our city and the future of your businesses.

But I want to be clear. We can’t build the best city to raise a family by slashing corporate

taxes, and either making it more expensive for residents to live here or cutting funding

for our teachers, parks, and transportation. That’s bad for business and bad for Boston.

It’s because Boston is the best place to raise a family that we have an amazing talent

pool. It’s because Boston is the best place to raise a family that businesses are moving

here in droves.

The numbers tell the story: In the second quarter of 2025, businesses signed deals to

lease 1.8 million square feet of office space—a 94% jump from last year. We’ve cut our

office vacancy rate nearly in half compared to two-and-a-half years ago. During that

period, thanks to the hard work of the Downtown Business Alliance, we’ve added more

than 50 small retail businesses Downtown, with several exciting restaurants set to open

soon.

Boston has 500 more business establishments than we did last year. And major brands

are putting down roots for the long haul. Apple and Ralph Lauren bought their Back

Bay stores outright, and J. Crew just opened a large flagship store pushing Newbury

Street’s record-low vacancy rate even lower.

At the same time, our innovation economy is thriving. Klaviyo signed a significant

office expansion earlier this year. And Boston is fast becoming a hub from quantum and

AI. NVIDIA and Qblox are expanding here, and Dynatrace just opened its global

headquarters on Atlantic Wharf.

We’re also leading on climate innovation. Climeaction expanded from Ireland to Boston

in March, investing $27 million to push forward digital agriculture and decarbonization

and build the industries of the future right here in Boston.

Downtown, we’re leading the nation in turning offices into homes. Less than two years

after launching our office-to-residential conversion program, we already have nearly

1000 units in the pipeline. That’s space for thousands of new residents: Families,

workers, and students who will bring new life to our core.

And soon, thanks to the hard work from Chief of Planning Kairos Shen and his team,

new downtown zoning to protect the historic core and create predictability for new

residential development will unlock even more possibility. From retail to startups to

biotech to the next wave of science and technology, your companies are betting on

Boston.

It’s the right bet.

Amid an uncertain national economy, Boston’s payroll employment is now 2.2% higher

than pre-pandemic, and more Bostonians than ever are working jobs thanks to the

partners in this room.

Boston’s answer to interference has never been retreat. It’s been resolve. We’ve never

asked permission to do it our way. And we won’t now. Back in May, after months of

targeted attacks by the federal government on many of our anchor industries, the

nation’s two leading credit rating agencies took a long, hard look at our finances and

our economy.

They both awarded Boston a Triple-A bond rating for the 12th consecutive year. They

called our fiscal management sound. Our economy, resilient. Now, we’re using that

rating to issue nearly $500 million in bonds and fund almost 400 projects, from new

libraries to community centers to infrastructure upgrades.

Boston will never back down from pouring into our people. Because we understand

what makes us great is who we’ve got.

Our future will be defined by how strongly we stand together to defend one another.

How we stand together to defend our world-class universities, who provide $72 million

in scholarships to Boston students every year, employ more than 50,000 people, and

generate tens of billions in economic impact for our City. How we stand together to

defend our hospitals and research institutions from illegal funding cuts as they work to

develop vaccines that save lives and change livelihoods. And how we stand together to

protect our community members, whose very lives are on the line.

Standing together is more than just one of our values. It’s the foundation of the

economic strategy that will win the day, standing on the right side of history to chart

our brightest future.

These next few years will not be easy. The federal assault on Boston is far from

finished. But to me, public service has never been about sitting around and waiting for

things to happen. Local government is uniquely positioned to do things. To take

chances. To be proactive. To invest in people and infrastructure and the future.

And what gives me hope is that this work isn’t confined to City Hall. It’s happening right

here—when businesses hire BPS students for summer jobs. In adult education classes.

On our business recruitment taskforce. At block parties. In board rooms. And it’s going

to happen next year, as our city comes together to welcome the world for our 250th

Independence Day, Tall Ships, and the World Cup.

Our city government can’t make progress acting alone. We rely on your partnership and

your counsel to build a better future. If we want an economy that works for everyone,

we have to build it with everyone. And if we build it with everyone, if we stand together,

you can’t beat Boston.

Thank you for your collaboration. This is our city, and I look forward to continuing to

build it up together.

波士頓市移民進步辦公室月報

2025 Immigrant Advancement Forum The Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement is pleased to announce the second annual Immigrant Advancement Forum. Join us on October 24! The Immigrant Advancement Forum is a free-to-attend initiative for stakeholders from government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community groups to learn how to work collaboratively to support immigrant communities and their needs. The Forum is a registration-only event for individuals working at nonprofits, community organizations, and other agencies. We ask all interested participants to complete their registration in advance to ensure a well-organized and effective gathering. Other opportunities for the general public will come in the future! Want to share the forum with other community organizations and partners? Use our toolkit! This year, MOIA invites YOU to share which topics you are most interested in discussing at the Forum, and whether you would be willing to share your insights or lead a discussion. Presenters will receive an honorarium as an acknowledgement of their contributions. Your involvement will help shape the forum into a richer and more engaging experience for everyone. Presenters will receive an honorarium as an acknowledgement of their contributions. Register, and apply to present! Deadline to register and apply is October 10. *** La Oficina del Alcalde para el Avance de los Inmigrantes se complace en anunciar el segundo Foro Anual para el Avance de los Inmigrantes. ¡Únase a nosotros el 24 de octubre! El Foro para el Avance de los Inmigrantes es una iniciativa gratuita para que las partes interesadas de agencias gubernamentales, organizaciones sin fines de lucro, empresas y grupos comunitarios aprendan a trabajar en colaboración para apoyar a las comunidades inmigrantes y sus necesidades. El Foro es un evento de inscripción exclusiva para personas que trabajan en organizaciones sin fines de lucro, organizaciones comunitarias y otras agencias. Solicitamos a todos los participantes interesados ​​que completen su registro con anticipación para garantizar una reunión bien organizada y eficaz. ¡En el futuro surgirán otras oportunidades para el público en general! ¿Desea compartir el foro con otras organizaciones comunitarias y colaboradores? ¡Utilice nuestro kit! Este año, MOIA le invita a compartir los temas que más le interesan en el Foro y a indicar si estaría dispuesto a compartir sus ideas o a liderar una discusión. Los presentadores recibirán un honorario como reconocimiento a sus contribuciones. Su participación contribuirá a que el foro sea una experiencia más enriquecedora y atractiva para todos. Los presentadores recibirán un honorario como reconocimiento a sus contribuciones. ¡Regístrese y aplique para presentar! La fecha limite para registratrse y aplicar es el 10 de Octubre.