Mayor Wu Appoints Brandon Cardet-Hernandez to Boston School Committee

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the appointment of Brandon Cardet-Hernandez to the Boston School Committee, to serve a four-year term. The Boston School Committee is the governing body of Boston Public Schools.

“I’m excited to announce the appointment of Brandon Cardet-Hernandez to the Boston School Committee,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Brandon is a lifelong advocate for students and brings a diverse range of experiences to the committee. His dedication to equity in the classroom and beyond has rooted his work as an organizer, an educator, and policy-maker. We look forward to having his expertise and commitment on the BPS team.” 

"I am thrilled to welcome Brandon Cardet-Hernandez to the Boston School Committee as our newest colleague, and another great advocate for students and families of the Boston Public Schools,” said Boston School Committee Chairperson, Jeri Robinson. “Mr. Cardet-Hernandez has an extensive background in working with and advocating for equity and excellence for young people. I look forward to working with him and hearing his unique perspectives as he comes to us with a plethora of experience in NYC public schools and beyond. I’d also like to thank Mr. Cardet-Hernandez for his commitment to serving on this committee for the benefit of our students, families and educators.” 

"I am excited to welcome Brandon Cardet-Hernandez to the Boston School Committee. His commitment to advancing equity and access for all young people is apparent in his work, and I look forward to partnering with him as this final appointment completes the full school committee,” said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. “His experience in the classroom, his work with LGBTQ+ youth and with children who need special education, and his work in NYC schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, prepare Mr. Cardet-Hernandez for this moment on the school committee as we continue to lead through this challenging time. The School Committee plays a vital role in giving our students a quality, world-class and equitable education. Mr. Cardet-Hernandez is going to add great value to the committee as we continue to partner together to ensure our students, families and staff have the best possible experiences.” 

Brandon Cardet-Hernandez is currently the Executive Director of The Ivy Street School. Through residential and day programming, Ivy Street centers learning through a therapeutic approach. In addition, through the Skills for Life division, Ivy Street works with families and school districts to help neurodiverse students strengthen the healing and skill development needed to transition into adulthood. He has devoted his career to advancing equity and access for young people. A life-long educator, Cardet-Hernandez has worked as a community organizer, college and career counselor, and special education teacher. Most recently, Cardet-Hernandez served as the Senior Education Advisor to Former New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio, overseeing key initiatives, including the nation's largest expansion of early childhood education, the design and launch of a citywide Restorative Justice and Social-Emotional Learning program, and key elements of the Mayor's signature Equity and Excellence Agenda. Notably, he handled the COVID-19 emergency response in NYC public schools. Previously, as a public school principal at The Urban Assembly Bronx Academy of Letters, Cardet-Hernandez led a turnaround team in a dynamic re-envisioning of school culture and instruction, bringing the school from a 53% graduation rate to 85% and exceeding the citywide average in graduation and college readiness. Cardet-Hernandez has also worked as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the NYC Department of Education, guiding strategy for the city's most struggling schools. He lives in South Boston with his husband and 4-year old son.

"I am honored to serve as the newest member of the Boston School Committee and I am looking forward to partnering with the incredible educators, parents, students, and community leaders who have been tirelessly working to accelerate equity, access, and justice in our schools," said Brandon Cardet-Hernandez. "Throughout my career, I have worked to strengthen and build the conditions that allow our young people - particularly those who are most vulnerable - to thrive. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my experiences in the classroom and in education policy to support our Boston Public School students, families, and educators."

The School Committee is responsible for:

1. Defining the vision, mission, and goals of the Boston Public Schools;
2. Establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget;
3. Hiring, managing, and evaluating the Superintendent; and
4. Setting and reviewing district policies and practices to support student achievement.  

The School Committee meets approximately twice per month during the school year to adopt, review and modify policies and practices that support teaching, learning and improved student achievement. With the exception of executive sessions, Committee meetings are open to the public, feature public comment periods and are broadcast on Boston City TV.

Cardet-Hernandez joins Dr. Stephen Alkins as Mayor Wu’s recent appointments to the Boston School Committee. The term will run four years. Mayor Wu previously reappointed Lorena Lopera and Rafaela Polanco García to the Boston School Committee, to serve the remainder of terms that end on January 1, 2024.