John Connolly on Helping Boston Families Advocate for Positive Changes in Education and Beyond.

Today on Catalysts for Change we are joined by John Connolly, former City Councilor for Boston and founder of the non-profit organization School Facts. A lifelong resident of Boston, John’s work focuses on helping Boston families advocate for positive changes in education and other sectors across the city.

John famously ran for Mayor of Boston against our current Mayor, Marty Walsh, and before that served as a Boston City Councilor At-Large from 2008-2014.  As a city councilor, John spent four years as Chair of the Committee on Education and oversaw the annual review of Boston Public Schools’ annual budget.  A former teacher, education has been central to Connolly’s political campaigns, and to his work in the private sector. He is the founder of both non-profits 1647 and School Facts, and he chairs the Oversight Board for Lawrence Public Schools, which is in state receivership.

We talk to John about his work as City Councilor, his run for Mayor, his love of the Boston community, and his current work in Lawrence and at School Facts. Thanks for listening!