Meet Mervan Osborne
He gets it. He gets it done.
A teacher, coach, mentor, and school administrator, Mervan Osborne knows what it takes for our kids to succeed. After twelve years at BB&N, Mervan helped found Beacon Academy, an innovative school that helps low-income students meet the highest academic standards. He has the experience that we need to ensure success for every child.
“For over two decades, I’ve been working hard to improve the lives of young people. I’ve lived in Cambridge for 15 years. I love this city, and I’m convinced that my perspective will be invaluable to the School Committee.
This is a time of significant change in our city. The school district has committed to major reforms, and these reforms will only work if we communicate and collaborate with people from every corner of Cambridge.
I have what it takes to get this job done right. My experience – both in the classroom and as an administrator – is unparalleled on the current School Committee. I’ve engaged with thousands of students and families, and I’ve spent my entire adult life building pathways to educational opportunity.
I won’t stop working until every child in Cambridge has access to the best education in the country.”
Read More About Mervan’s Background
“I was born and raised in London, England, and I moved to New York City with my family when I was ten. After attending Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, I joined the first Teach for America corps as a teacher in Los Angeles in 1990.
In 1994, I moved to Cambridge to teach at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. In twelve years at BB&N, I taught English and drama and coached multiple sports. I also worked in the school’s Admissions Office, where I focused on recruiting prospective students from diverse backgrounds in Cambridge and Boston.
Seven years ago, it was my privilege to participate in the founding of Beacon Academy. We’re the only school of our kind in the country – an intense ‘bridge year’ between eighth and ninth grades – and on a daily basis, we’re closing the achievement gap and expanding access to educational opportunity.
When students arrive at Beacon, they’re talented but underserved. By the end of their Beacon Year, they’ve made two or even three years of academic progress, and the vast majority of our students go on to thrive at highly-competitive secondary schools and colleges. I’m extremely proud to serve as Beacon Academy’s Associate Head of School.
Outside of school, I serve as the Governor’s Appointee to the Massachusetts Humanities Board. I recently joined the Board of Directors at Concord Academy. And for the past 17 years, I’ve directed a summer film and drama camp for young people in Cambridge.
In my personal time, I love producing and reviewing films. I love to cook for my wife, Lucy. And we both love to enjoy Cambridge’s parks with Sparky, our dog.”