Blog
I am humbled as well as encouraged by tonight’s Atlanta Board of Education vote on the APS School Turnaround Strategy, which moves our district forward with a comprehensive plan to address chronic under-performance in our schools. I am also appreciative of the willingness of the community to try to understand the urgent need for change.…
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I hugged a cuddly Lorax who wore slippers, not boots. Took selfies with Things that were tiny and cute. I grappled with friends over a fish, dog or yent. All in all, I can say, my day was well spent. OK, OK, so I’m not Dr. Seuss or a writer anywhere near the genius that…
→When I unveiled the APS Turnaround Strategy during the State of the District last October, I explained that because of the longstanding, multi-generational educational needs of our students and a looming, high-stakes potential takeover Opportunity School District, we did not have time to waste. I also expressed that we would move with deliberate speed in…
→As I go into this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, I have the greatest sense of pride for the legacy that he left us. That legacy is his dream of hope, equality and nonviolence. I’ll be in my hometown of Selma, Alabama this year where we will celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. To me,…
→As we enter the New Year and a new season of making resolutions, it should come as no surprise to anyone keeping our district and our schools on their radars that we have a clear, succinct resolution for 2016: Turnaround Atlanta Public Schools. It’s not only our resolution, but it is our mandate. In fact,…
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With the Winter Break upon us and 2015 drawing to a close, I encourage all friends and stakeholders of Atlanta Public Schools to reflect upon the difference we make in the lives of Atlanta’s children. I am thankful that we, as a community with many talents, have come together to share those gifts with one…
→Late one Friday this past September, our Atlanta Public Schools community was shaken by a senseless shooting that took place outside of Grady Stadium during one of our football games. Two months later, video footage of a violent fight at one of our high schools headlined the evening news. Far too often, my phone buzzes…
→Being ready means you are set. You’re fully prepared. You can now take that next step. At Atlanta Public Schools, it is our mission to ensure our students graduate ready for college and a career. This week we received phenomenal news that APS students will benefit from a $3.3 million grant from the Technical College…
→None of us can control Mother Nature, but we can do our best to plan for inclement weather. This week marks the beginning of Georgia Preparedness Week (Nov. 30 through Dec. 4). My number one priority is to make sure Atlanta Public Schools students and staff are safe and ready to learn and to teach.…
→As all of us in Atlanta Public Schools prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday and our district closes for the extended (and, I think, much deserved) break, I think about the reasons we celebrate. The brisk weather encourages us to gather together as families and friends and put a brake a bit on our hectic lifestyles…
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