City Government
School Committee & Superintendent
The Superintendent
Andrew O’Leary
Andrew O’Leary became Superintendent of the New Bedford Public Schools in January 2024, after years as the district’s assistant superintendent for finance and operations, and he has signed a contract that runs through 2031. He leads one of the largest districts on the South Coast, serving about 12,400 students across 21 schools. The Superintendent is hired by and reports to the School Committee.
| Role | Superintendent of Schools |
|---|---|
| In office | Since January 2024 |
| District office | 455 County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 |
| Website | newbedfordschools.org |
The School Committee
New Bedford’s School Committee has seven members. The Mayor chairs the committee as an ex officio member, and the public elects the remaining six to two-year terms. The committee sets district policy, adopts the school budget, and hires and evaluates the Superintendent. The committee’s seven members are below.
Jon Mitchell
Christopher A. Cotter
Melissa Costa
Joaquim ‘Jack’ Livramento, Jr.
VonMarie Moniz
Richard Porter
William B. Markey
For the full, current roster and contact details, see the New Bedford Public Schools site.
The District at a Glance
- Enrollment: about 12,400 students, PreK through 12.
- Schools: 21, including New Bedford High School.
- High needs: a large majority of students are classified high needs by the state.
- State data: DESE profile (code 02010000).
Meetings & Participation
- When: twice monthly; agendas are posted by the district.
- Public comment: residents may address the Committee; check the agenda for sign-up details.
- Watch: meetings are broadcast on the city’s public access channel and available on demand.
- Subcommittees: much detailed work happens in subcommittees on finance, curriculum, and facilities.
Sources
New Bedford school committee (newbedfordschools.org). Verified July 2026.
What this seat decides
Your schools
School Committee. Start times, the school calendar, bus routes and stops, the phone policy, athletics and activity fees, and anything in the student handbook. It sets district policy, and the total size of the school budget is voted by Town Meeting, or by your Mayor and Council in a city.
Your principal and your superintendent. The principal for how a school rule works day to day in your building. The superintendent for how the whole district runs. The School Committee hires exactly one employee, the superintendent, so a question about any other staff member goes to the district, not to the board.
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