State Names Receiver For Lawrence Schools

By Linda Polach

Jan. 11, 2012

BOSTON — State Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester has named Jeff Riley, an administrator with the Boston Public Schools, as the new receiver of the Lawrence school system. Riley started his career with Teach for America and has had extensive experience working in urban areas.
 
In an interview, Chester said the department was "very excited" about the appointment. In 2010, fewer than half of the city's students graduated from high school, according to state data — something the new receiver will be empowered to change.
 
"Under the terms of the receivership, Jeff has all of the authority of a superintendent and of the school committee. And so we will re-examine the district from the ground up... and we will move aggressively to identify the kind of changes necessary to achieve better outcomes for the students of Lawrence, bottom line," Chester said.
 
He added that the receivership is not a short-term endeavor but one that he hopes will transform the quality of education for Lawrence students.