It is with great sadness that we report the death of Clifford Janey, a member of the Albert Shanker Institute’s Board of Directors for 13 years. He was 73 at the time of his death earlier this month.

Dr. Janey served as a Senior Research Scholar at Boston University, School of Education. Previously, he was a Senior Weismann Fellow at Bank Street College of Education in New York City. From 2008 to 2011, he served as the state district superintendent for Newark Public Schools in NJ. From 2004 to 2007, he served as superintendent of schools for the District of Columbia. And from 1995 to 2002, he served as superintendent of schools in Rochester, NY.

In all of these roles, Dr. Janey proceeded as he began: as a committed teacher. Janey began his teaching career with a number of education positions in his home city of Boston, MA, including as a middle school teacher, a reading teacher at the Bancroft School, principal of Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, east zone superintendent (K-8), and chief academic officer of Boston Public Schools.

Dr. Janey earned numerous national and local awards for his relentless efforts and innovative initiatives in early childhood education, prek-16 academic standards, collective bargaining and authentic accountability. Throughout his career, he grew to recognize that real change happens, not just because of what you know, but how you develop a collaborative culture in which support for human development and accountability for results are seamless. He was also strongly committed to preparing young citizens for the future and engaging with diverse constituencies for the good of all.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his numerous friends and family members, especially his brilliant and loving wife Barbara Janey and his five children, including daughter Kim Janey, Boston City Council President. 

We will provide more information about memorial services when it becomes available.