Boston Public Schools Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Boston Public Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including administration, technology, organizational support, and operations.

Dedicated to academic excellence and student success, Boston Public Schools transforms lives through inclusive teaching environments. This district fosters equitable learning opportunities for all students across the region.

Leadership Roles at Boston Public Schools

  • Chief of Staff - Julia Frederick
  • Chief Technology Officer - Lisa Irey
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kelsey Smithendorf
  • Chief Operations Officer - Indira Alvarez
  • Julia Frederick - Chief of Staff

    Julia Frederick, the Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, directs high-level administrative functions and coordinates strategic initiatives across the district. Overseeing internal communications and policy implementation, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between the superintendent and various academic departments. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships to support the mission of providing quality education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. By streamlining organizational workflows, Julia Frederick optimizes resource allocation and enhances operational efficiency within the district. The Chief of Staff maintains rigorous standards for institutional performance while facilitating collaboration among diverse school leaders. Through proactive management of district-wide projects, Frederick drives progress toward long-term educational goals. This position requires constant engagement with the board and executive team to maintain focus on student-centered outcomes. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the operational stability necessary for academic growth across all Massachusetts schools.

    Lisa Irey - Chief Technology Officer

    Lisa Irey, the Chief Technology Officer at Boston Public Schools, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern classroom learning and administrative data management. Overseeing the integration of educational software and hardware, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools necessary for success in a digital-first environment. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and network reliability across all district facilities. By implementing scalable technology solutions, Lisa Irey directly impacts the ability of educators to deliver personalized instruction. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with academic leaders to align technical investments with curriculum requirements and student achievement targets. Through the modernization of information systems, Irey enhances data-driven decision-making capabilities for administrators. This position demands constant vigilance regarding emerging educational technologies and infrastructure security. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer maintains the robust digital foundation essential for the continued evolution of public education in the region.
    Lisa Irey

    Kelsey Smithendorf - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kelsey Smithendorf, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Boston Public Schools, executes daily operational oversight and manages cross-departmental projects to support district objectives. Overseeing the implementation of strategic policies, the Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates communication between central office leadership and individual school sites. This leadership role involves analyzing organizational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in service delivery. By coordinating logistics for district-wide initiatives, Kelsey Smithendorf ensures that resources reach classrooms effectively. The Deputy Chief of Staff works closely with the executive team to resolve complex administrative challenges and maintain institutional focus on student equity. Through meticulous planning and execution, Smithendorf supports the broader mission of transforming lives through welcoming school environments. This position requires strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff strengthens the internal capacity of the district to meet the diverse needs of the student population.

    Indira Alvarez - Chief Operations Officer

    Indira Alvarez, the Chief Operations Officer at Boston Public Schools, directs the physical and logistical operations that sustain the district's extensive network of schools. Overseeing facilities management, transportation services, and food programs, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that every learning environment remains safe, functional, and conducive to student achievement. This leadership role involves managing large-scale capital projects and maintenance schedules to support the infrastructure needs of the district. By optimizing supply chain logistics and service delivery, Indira Alvarez directly impacts the daily experience of students and staff. The Chief Operations Officer collaborates with financial and academic leaders to align operational spending with long-term educational priorities. Through the efficient management of district assets, Alvarez drives improvements in school safety and operational sustainability. This position requires constant oversight of complex service contracts and facility compliance standards. Ultimately, the Chief Operations Officer secures the physical foundation necessary for academic excellence across the entire district.
    Indira Alvarez

    Explore Leadership Teams in Education

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Boston Public Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Boston Public Schools?
    Boston Public Schools is led by Julia Frederick (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Lisa Irey (Chief Technology Officer) and Kelsey Smithendorf (Deputy Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Boston Public Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of Boston Public Schools includes leaders such as Julia Frederick (Chief of Staff), Lisa Irey (Chief Technology Officer), Kelsey Smithendorf (Deputy Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Boston Public Schools have?
    Boston Public Schools has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Boston Public Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Boston Public Schools includes roles such as Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Operations Officer.