Boston Parent Organizing Network organizes, develop and support parents and families who are marginalized by class, race, language, disability and immigration status to  work with and hold accountable the Boston Public Schools to provide an excellent education for all students.

    In all we do we are guided by these principles:

    • Parents and families are the most effective advocates and leaders to bring about lasting improvements in student education.
    • Parents, families and students are the key source to identify the educational needs of children and youth.
    • Networking and collaboration among community based organizations and school based parent groups are necessary to effect system-wide change
    • Both system-wide and community-based issues must be addressed collectively to assure sustained success.

    Our Vision

    Because of BPON's effectiveness parents and families who are marginalized by class, race, language, disability and immigration status directly influence decision making at all levels of the Boston Public School System.

     

    WHAT WE DO

    Since its formation in 1999, BPON has built on the strengths of its organizational members and thousands of parent volunteers to achieve significant change at both the school and district levels.  BPON is recognized as a powerful and unique force in reform of the BPS, creating consensus among diverse parents, developing their power through leadership training and amplifying their voices, and wielding this power in unified action.

    BPON's focus is on engaging families to provide leadership in achieving excellent education for all BPS students. In FY 2008, BPON engaged 534 parents and supported significant acquisition of knowledge and skills by 142. A cadre of 80 parent leaders participated in organizing activities, mobilizing 202 parents around campaign issues. FY 2008 accomplishments, achieved through partnerships with many different organizations, included:

    ·        Mobilization of families for budget hearings and behind the scenes consultations with the Superintendent and the Mayor regarding a difficult BPS budget process that resulted in the preservation of all four BPON budget priorities;

    ·        Appointment of Michele Brooks, the first Director of BPON, as the new BPS Assistant Superintendent for Family and Student Engagement;

    ·        Reactivation of the Boston Special Needs Parents Advisory Council;

    ·        Launch of a campaign to accelerate BPS reforms that improve outcomes for English language learners;

    ·        Defeat of changes in BPS student transportation/student assignment for FY 2008; and,

    ·        Expanding "quality education" as the determining factor in school reprogramming.

     

    HISTORY

    In 1999 BPON was founded as a network of organizations. Its primary work was led by six community-based organizations within Boston's immigrant and communities of color.

    A Steering Committee served as BPON's governing body.  The Steering Committee's 14 members included the Executive Director of each grantee organization; one parent representative involved with each grantee; a representative of Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC); and, a representative of BPON funders.  An Executive Committee set the agendas for Steering Committee meetings, took action between meetings, and provided support to the BPON Director. The Executive Director facilitated and coordinated a process of mutual accountability among network members.

    In recent years consensus emerged among BPON's stakeholders that the organizational model and structure needed to be reviewed and revised in order to better serve current and future needs. In September 2008, BPON's Executive Committee initiated a process charged with four tasks: 1) assess the organization's strengths and weaknesses, 2) review and update the foundational agreements (Mission, Values and Vision), 3) determine the optimal organizational structure and 4) conduct an executive search to secure executive leadership appropriate for the new organizational model.

     

    NEW ORGANIZATION MODEL

    BPON is currently undergoing an exciting strategic organizational transformation.

    A Provisional Board made up of current Steering Committee members and other key stakeholders is charged with implementing a newly approved organizational model over the coming sixteen months. The new organizational model is membership-based with a parent-led board of directors. There will be a majority of BPS parent board members, with additional seats reserved for CBO representatives and students.  During the coming sixteen months the Provisional Board will develop the membership base, put in place all necessary policies and procedures and conduct the first election of the parent led board. The new board will be elected and take office before July 1, 2010

     

    VISION & OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH AND ENHANCEMENT

     There is great excitement and support for the new organizational structure.

    Primary outcomes of the restructuring process will be a comprehensive and unified strategy developed by the Board of Directors that includes both local and city-wide campaigns, and more consistent stewardship of resources assuring accountability, stability, sustainability, and growth. The new BPON Executive Director will guide and support the development of the new organizational structure as well as develop the membership base and provide leadership to expand and strengthen the work of parent leadership training and organizing. The new organizational structure will streamline the process by which networking and collaboration occurs, making more optimal use of stakeholders' time and resources. It is anticipated that the new structure and collaboration process will attract new participants, both individuals and organizational.