Here's another opportunity for young professionals of color to consider. Back in the day, the city council wasn't the most heavily contested elected office. That place was reserved for the Boston School Committee. You ever heard the stories about all the drama that encircled the city after the open process was done away with and the group became an appointed body. Well, here's your chance to step in the shoes of other Boston leaders like Ruth Batson, Felix Arroyo, and John O'Bryant, among others.

The Boston School Committee is the governing body of the Boston Public Schools. The School Committee is responsible for:

• defining the vision, mission and goals of the Boston Public Schools;
  
• establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget;
  
• hiring, managing and evaluating the Superintendent; and
  
• setting and reviewing district policies and practices to support student achievement.
  

Applications are currently being accepted for one position on the Boston School Committee. The term of Michael D. O'Neill will expire on January 5, 2009. Mr. O'Neill was appointed last July to fill the vacancy of Michele Brooks, who resigned to become Assistant Superintendent for Family & Student Engagement with the Boston Public Schools.

Boston School Committee members are appointed to serve four-year staggered terms. When vacancies exist, the Mayor appoints members from a list of candidates recommended by a 13-member Citizens Nominating Panel composed of parents, teachers, principals, and representatives of the business and higher education communities. Under the legislation that established the appointed School Committee, "the Mayor shall strive to appoint individuals who reflect the racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of the city." Anyone interested in applying must submit an application by 12 noon on November 17, 2008. All applicants must be residents of Boston. Application forms are available for download.