BPS ‘communications’ team overhauled
Boston Public Schools on Tuesday announced the two new heads of its frequently unresponsive communications team.
Gabrielle Farrell, who served as traveling press secretary for U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren during the 2020 presidential election, will begin on Wednesday as chief communications officer.
As of May 30, the new director of communication will be Amelia Aubourg, who worked in leadership and management roles in higher education and the nonprofit sector.
“As Boston residents and alumnae of Boston Public Schools, Gabrielle and Amelia bring the experience that we need to connect BPS’ leadership with our families and students,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement.
“I look forward to their leadership and partnership to connect our school communities, highlight the work happening within our classrooms, and move our district forward.”
“One of the most important functions of our work at BPS is to communicate clearly with our families, staff, partners and communities in a way that is accessible and authentic,” Superintendent Brenda Cassellius added.
“I have no doubt that Gabrielle and Amelia will embrace this work with the same professionalism they have shown throughout their professional careers.”
What remains to be seen is whether the so-called “communications office” will actually begin “communicating” with its constituency and the press. It frequently doesn’t respond to phone calls, emails or texts, including ones from the Herald Tuesday, and refers Freedom of Information Act requests to a city liaison, who often never answers them.
Farrell will be charged with developing and executing a communications strategy that will “ensure BPS students, families, staff, and the entire Boston community are well informed of BPS’ important work,” according to BPS.
In her role, Aubourg will execute many of BPS’ key initiatives as they pertain to both internal and external communications.