Executive Office of Education – Boston, MA

Executive Office of Education (EOE)

Statewide Education Leadership

The Executive Office of Education (EOE), headquartered in the John W. McCormack Building on Ashburton Place, is the secretariat responsible for coordinating the Commonwealth’s education policy across all levels of learning. Established to create a seamless educational pipeline, the EOE oversees three key agencies: the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the Department of Higher Education (DHE). The Secretary of Education, a member of the Governor’s cabinet, leads this office, working to close achievement gaps and ensure that every resident has access to high-quality education from birth through adulthood.

Policy and Coordination

The EOE does not manage day-to-day school operations but rather sets the strategic direction for the state’s education system. It analyzes data, manages budgets, and develops initiatives that bridge the different departments, such as college and career readiness programs and early literacy campaigns. The office plays a crucial role in aligning workforce development needs with educational curricula, ensuring that Massachusetts students are prepared for the modern economy. It also serves as the liaison between the Governor’s office and the various boards of education.

McCormack Building Access

Located near the State House, the EOE operates within a secure government facility. Visitors to the McCormack Building are required to present valid photo identification and obtain a visitor badge from the security desk in the lobby. Screening measures, including metal detectors and x-ray machines for bags, are standard. While the EOE is primarily an administrative policy office, it is a central point for stakeholders seeking to engage with state-level education leadership.

• Scope: Early childhood through higher education.
• Role: Strategic planning and policy alignment.
• Oversight: EEC, DESE, and DHE coordination.

Through its comprehensive approach, the Executive Office of Education strives to maintain Massachusetts’ status as a national leader in educational excellence and equity.