Thomas M. Menino, the popular mayor of Boston who had authority over the city’s schools throughout his 20-year tenure, died Oct. 30 of cancer. He was 71.
Mr. Menino took office in 1993, two years after the 57,000-student district came under mayoral control. He announced last year that he would not seek a sixth term.
A commemorative page on the district’s website credits the mayor with leading the transformation of the school system “from a failing school district to one of the most renowned urban public school systems in the country.” It lists the district’s achievements during his tenure, including the Broad Prize for Urban Education in 2006, as well as gains in graduation rates and national assessment results.
Mr. Menino was diagnosed with advanced cancer in February, shortly after leaving office, and announced Oct. 23 he was suspending treatment and a book tour so he could spend more time with family and friends, according to the Associated Press.
