Mitchell Chester, Longtime Mass Education Commissioner, Dies

WINCHESTER, MA — Dr. Mitchell Chester, the Massachusetts Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner, died last night, the state's education board chairman announced at a Tuesday meeting.

"We were obviously stunned by his death and deeply saddened," Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Paul Sagan said.

Deputy Commissioner Jeff Wulfson was named acting commissioner Tuesday. Wulfson, with help from others, had been fulfilling some of Chester's duties while his schedule has been cut back due to illness.

Chester has been commissioner since May 2008. He began as a school teacher in Connecticut before working a number of roles in Connecticut, Philadelphia, and Ohio school systems. He received his doctorate in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University.

Education Secretary Jim Peyser said Chester leaves a "legacy that will stand for many, many years and generations."

"We've been blessed in Massachusetts having two long-serving commissioners, who have seen us through from the beginning of education reform to this day," Peyser said at the meeting. "In some ways, a lot of attention gets paid to the leadership when change is beginning to happen, but when all is said and done it's the leaders who take us through, over time, to sustain the changes and to bring them to the next level that make those changes permanent and that deliver the kind of impact on children, families and people's lives that have lasting and deeper effects. I think Mitchell was that leader for us, and we were very lucky and blessed to have him with us."

Boston Public Schools Superintendent released the following statement:

"On behalf of the Boston Public Schools, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mitchell Chester. Mitchell was a true professional who cared deeply about improving public education for students across the Commonwealth and here in Boston. His commitment and dedication to high standards will leave a lasting legacy for students and educational leaders alike. He will be missed."

Chester is survived by his wife Angela and son Nicholas.

Correction: The initial headline said Michael Chester. It has been corrected to Mitchell Chester. We regret the error.

Photo from Mass Department of Education

Materials from the State House News Service were used in this report