BPS Student Poll Workers Step Up on Election Day, As Program Marks 10 Years

While voters across Boston head to the polls to vote November 3, 2026, Boston Public Schools (BPS) students will play an important role in making Election Day happen in the City. As student poll workers, they help voters navigate the process, support polling place operations, and gain a firsthand understanding of how democracy works at the local level.

The day also marks a milestone for the City of Boston Department of Elections and BPS: the Student Poll Worker Program is celebrating its 10th year of operation, having launched in 2017. Over the years, the partnership has created a meaningful way for young people to contribute to their communities before they’re old enough to vote.

Open to students who will be at least 16 years old by Election Day, the program offers paid work and a chance to take on real responsibilities. Depending on their assignments, students might serve as greeters, interpreters, or inspectors, helping ensure voters have a welcoming and accessible experience at polling locations throughout the city.
 
The students’ experience goes beyond a single day on the job. Working alongside election staff and community members offers a closer look at the care, coordination, and teamwork required to run an election. Students can build communication and problem-solving skills while seeing how civic participation takes shape in their own neighborhoods.

Their contributions matter. A smooth election depends on the people who help voters find their way, answer questions, and keep polling places running. By stepping into these roles, BPS students are helping their neighbors exercise a fundamental right while learning what it means to serve the public.

As the program celebrates a decade of connecting students with civic life, the November 3 election is another opportunity for Boston’s young people to make a difference.

Massachusetts Teacher Of The Year 2027: Mansur Buffins Named Semifinalist

Mansur Buffins believes education should do more than prepare students for the next grade or the next test. It also should empower young people to make a positive impact in their communities. That commitment has earned him recognition as a 2027 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Semifinalist.

An Instructional Coach at Orchard Gardens K–8 School, Buffins is among seven educators selected as semifinalists by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), following a competitive process that began with 347 nominations from across the Commonwealth.

“I work in education in the tradition of excellent educators such as Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, cultivating inspiring, empowering, and intellectually rigorous learning experiences that affirm young people and equip them with knowledge and skills to realize their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities,” Buffins said.  

His path in Boston Public Schools began in 2022, when he joined the district as a substitute teacher while pursuing his master's degree in Education Leadership, Organizations and Entrepreneurship from Harvard Graduate School of Education. He went on to teach Humanities courses at Community Academy, where he spent several years working alongside students before transitioning into instructional coaching. He joined the Orchard Gardens K-8 community in September 2026.

Across these roles, Buffins has remained focused on the conditions that help students thrive: affirming relationships; high expectations; meaningful intellectual challenges; and the targeted support students need to succeed. His approach reflects the qualities celebrated by the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes educators who advance student learning, embrace student-centered instruction, and demonstrate leadership beyond their classrooms.

Buffins’ semifinalist honor is a significant distinction and a moment of pride for Orchard Gardens and Boston Public Schools. Congratulations to Mansur Buffins on this well-deserved recognition and on the lasting impact of his work with students and educators.

State of Schools 2026: Meet Deaf Student Journalist Carlos Rodriguez

Jean Carlos Rodriguez will have the scoop on the latest news that will impact the next generation of Boston students.

The Horace Mann School for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Grade 12 student will serve as a student journalist Monday, October 19, at the second annual State of the Schools Address. Rodriguez will be part of the press scrum that will take place following Mayor Wu’s speech.

Rodriguez is one of the founding members of the Horace Mann school newspaper, The Cougar Times. He covers stories on a variety of topics – ranging from news to human-interest – that impact members of the Horace Mann community. In addition to his editorial roles, he mentors students who are in their first year on the newspaper staff.

“I love journalism because it's wonderful to hear other people's stories and share them,” said Rodriguez. “Also, it's a great way to call out issues/problems or to bring exposure to something.”

The 2026 State of the Schools event will highlight the City of Boston’s ongoing work to make Boston Public Schools (BPS) the first choice for families. Mayor Wu and BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper will share updates on progress across the district, and outline academic and partnership priorities for the year ahead.

Mayor Wu will deliver the 2026 State of the Schools Address on Monday, October 19 at UMass Boston. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the program will be streamed live on Boston.gov. 

“As a BPS mom, I’m determined to continue investing in our schools and school communities so we make Boston Public Schools the first choice for all our families. As we continue to build on our progress in student achievement, graduation rates, and advanced coursework, we are focused on expanding opportunities and investing in our young people, educators, and families,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “At our second annual State of the Schools address, we will report out on our work, highlight our school communities, and bring partners together to make Boston the best city for families.”

“The progress we continue to make as a district reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences that strengthen outcomes for students across Boston,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We are excited to once again host the State of the Schools, bringing our community together to recognize the dedication of our educators, the engagement of our families, and the many partners who contribute to our students’ success. Alongside the City of Boston and Mayor Wu, we will continue this work to ensure every student has access to the rigorous, culturally affirming education they deserve.”

Stream the 2026 State of the Schools