• New Leader in Boston, p.3 • New Graduation Guide, p.5 LEGISLATIVE • Education Funding, p.10

The Nation’s Voice for Urban Education May 2019 Vol. 28, No. 4 www.cgcs.org

Charleston School Named Best in Nation

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Academic Magnet High School in Charleston, S.C., as the best high school in the country. The newsmagazine recently released its 2019 edition of the top-performing high schools after evaluating more than 17,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Co- lumbia. Schools were ranked on six factors based U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos listens as 2019 Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson on their perfor- accepts his award at a White House ceremony. Photo credit: Ronald M. Sachs mance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. Richmond Veteran Educator In addition to Academic Magnet, five urban schools in districts represented by the Council of the Great City Schools Named National Teacher of the Year ranked in the top 20. They were:

Rodney Robinson teaches at a school housed in a jail in Richmond, Va., because he Payton College Preparatory High School believes that all students — even those students who have made mistakes in their lives in Chicago, ranked No. 9; — deserve a high-quality education. The veteran teacher’s efforts to educate all children and his work to defeat the school- Townsend Harris High School in New to-prison pipeline contributed to his recent selection as the 2019 National Teacher of York City, ranked No. 11; the Year. Robinson was chosen for the honor from among 57 state teachers of the year. The selection of the nation’s best teacher began in 1952 as an effort by the Council Science and Engineering Magnet School of Chief State School Officers, which administers the program, to identify exceptional in Dallas, ranked No. 12; teachers nationwide, celebrate their effective work in and outside of the classroom, am- plify their voices and empower them to participate in policy discussions at the state and The School for the Talented and Gifted national levels. in Dallas, ranked No. 16; and A veteran educator with 19 years of classroom experience, Robinson said he was inspired to become a teacher by his mother, whose upbringing in poverty and segrega- DeBakey High School for Health tion in rural Virginia made her own desire to teach an impossible dream. Following Professions in Houston, ranked No. 17.

Richmond Educator continued on page 4 Nation’s Best continued on page 5 INSIDE THE COUNCIL MAY 2019

Chicago Students Receive Scholarships to Become Teachers

Christopher Goins is the principal of Butler College Prep in Chicago and would like more men of color to follow in his footsteps and become teachers. But he believes that programs to recruit men of color into the classroom when they are in college are too late. As a result, he created a class called “Intro to Urban Education” designed to introduce high school students of color to a career in education. His efforts have paid off, as five -stu dents who participated in the class re- cently were surprised with full-tuition scholarships to study education at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The students received the news that they were the recipients of college scholar- ships in front of their peers at the school’s “Draft Day” event. A student at Chicago’s Butler Prep reacts to receiving a full-tuition scholarship to attend the The scholarships were awarded to stu- University of Ilinois at Chicago (UIC) as, third to right, UIC Dean Alfred Tatum and Butler Prin- cipal Christopher Goins look on. dents as part of UIC’s College of Edu- cation MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) enable the recipients to return to their your impact, ” said Tatum in a story that program, which aims to recruit and train communities and serve as educators. appeared on the Chicago Public Schools’ male education majors of color. “Becoming an educator is one way to website. UIC College of Education’s Dean Al- ensure you’ll live forever because gen- The scholarships will provide students fred Tatum hopes the scholarships will erations after generation will talk about with tuition assistance, an academic and Teacher Scholarships continued on page 3

Executive Director Editor Staff Writer Michael Casserly Tonya Harris Joanne Coley [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

A newsletter published by the Council of the Great City Schools, representing 75 of the nation’s largest urban public school districts. Council officers Chair Albuquerque Charlotte Fresno Milwaukee Pinellas Co. Shelby Co. Lawrence Feldman Anchorage Chicago Greensboro Minneapolis Pittsburgh St. Louis Board Member, Miami-Dade County Arlington, TX Cincinnati Hawaii Nashville Portland St. Paul Chair-elect Atlanta Clark Co. Houston New Orleans Providence Stockton Eric Gordon Aurora Cleveland Indianapolis New York City Puerto Rico Tampa CEO, Cleveland Austin Columbus Jackson Newark Richmond Toledo Baltimore Dallas Jacksonville Norfolk Rochester Toronto Secretary-Treasurer Birmingham Dayton Kansas City Oakland Sacramento Tulsa Michael O’Neill Boston Denver Long Beach Oklahoma City San Antonio Washington DC Board Member, Boston Bridgeport Des Moines Los Angeles Omaha San Diego Wichita Broward Co. Detroit Louisville Orange Co. San Francisco Buffalo El Paso Manchester Palm Beach Santa Ana Charleston Fort Worth Miami-Dade Philadelphia Seattle

All news items should be submitted to: Find the Council on: Urban Educator Council of the Great City Schools 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 1100N • Washington, DC 20004 (202) 393-2427 • (202) 393-2400 (fax)

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Memphis and Boston School Districts Name New Superintendents

After embark- eas, including the district’s enrollment and superintendent in ing on a national school choice processes, summer learning Minneapolis Pub- search to find a su- academy, and family and community en- lic Schools. perintendent, Shel- gagement. “We are ex- by County Schools In a news statement Ray said he was cited to begin in Memphis decid- incredibly honored by the opportunity to working soon ed they already had lead the school system. “I will continue to with Cassellius, someone more than fight every single day to improve the lives whose wealth of capable of leading of our students, no matter which neighbor- experience, com- Joris Ray the 100,000-stu- hood they call home,” said Ray. Brenda Cassellius mitment to equity, dent school system. and proven track re- So, the school board ended the search New Leader in Boston cord as an education leader will be critical and named interim leader Joris Ray the in continuing our progress in the Boston district’s superintendent. Boston Public Schools recently named Public Schools,” said Boston School Com- Ray has served as interim since January, Brenda Cassellius to take the reins of the mittee Chairperson Michael Loconto. succeeding Dorsey Hopson, who resigned 55,000-student school district. Cassel- from the district after nearly six years. lius, who most recently stepped down as Interim in Nashville A graduate of Shelby County Schools, commissioner of education for the state of Ray has held a variety of positions in the Minnesota, will succeed interim superin- Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools school system during his 22-year ca- tendent Laura Perille. recently named veteran educator Adrienne reer, including teacher, assistant principal Prior to serving as commissioner, Cas- Battle as interim director of schools. and director of alternative schools. sellius was the superintendent of the East Battle succeeds Shawn Joseph, who re- In his previous role as the district’s chief Metro Integration District in Minnesota, cently stepped down after leading the dis- of academic operations and school support, where she led an integration and achieve- trict since 2016. Ray directed more than 10 specialized ar- ment agenda. She also served as an associate A graduate of the school system, Battle has held a variety of roles in the district, including as community superintendent. Teacher Scholarships continued from page 2

cultural support system and assistance with educational needs. Goins said the class St. Louis School Board job placement after they graduate. was developed to create awareness with the Students had to apply for the scholar- hopes of empowering the students to pur- To Regain Governance ship by submitting two essays. sue a career in education so they can make Staff Writer Goins has a degree in history/secondary an impact. Joanne Coley education from North Carolina Agricul- According to the Illinois State Board of In 2007, Missouri’s State Board of Edu- [email protected] tural and Technical State and has led But- Education, African-American men repre- cation voted to strip the Saint Louis Public ler since it opened in 2013. His desire to sent just one percent of teachers in Illinois’ Schools of its accreditation, a three-mem- create the “Intro to Urban Education” class public schools. ber panel was appointed to oversee the was formed and developed during his time Trevon participated in Goins’ class and school district, and its elected school board as a Chicago Surge Fellow, a fellowship was one of the students who received a col- lost control. that works closely with Chicago teachers. lege scholarship to UIC. He said that after After 12 years, the state board recently “It was my capstone project,” said Goins. graduating from college he wants to return voted unanimously to restore power to the “I’m incredibly passionate about increasing to his community and become a third or district’s school board. the number of men of color in the class- fifth-grade teacher. And with the help of Since being taken over by the state, room.” the scholarship, he hopes to make a lasting the Saint Louis school system has made During his class of about 20 seniors, impact. progress in academic achievement and im- students were required to follow the news “It’s important for black males to proved its finances. And in 2008, Kelvin and policy around education and one class become teachers,” said Trevon. “Stu- Adams was appointed superintendent and assignment had them researching the 2019 dents learn better and are able to func- has worked to turn around the school dis- Chicago mayoral candidates and then de- tion in class when they see someone Saint Louis continued on page 4 fending who would best serve the city’s that looks like them. That can be me.”

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Richmond Educator continued from page 1 According to the U.S. Department U.S. Presidential of Education, only two percent of pub- time spent teaching middle school history lic school educators are black males, and Scholars Named and later, high school, Robinson took on Robinson knows from his personal expe- an assignment that might give some teach- rience as an African-American male that ers pause, when in 2015 he became a social black students need more teachers that Ruben Manasseh Banks, a senior at studies teacher at the Virgie Binford Edu- look like them. Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Miss., cation Center housed in the Richmond Ju- He has dealt with this issue on a local has a long list of accomplishments. He is venile Detention Center. basis as a member of Richmond Mayor president of his school’s Fully embracing the challenge, Robin- Levar Stoney’s Education Compact Team, Student Government son created a classroom culture that pro- where he has worked with city leaders and Association, he serves vides his students – ages 12 to 19 – a posi- local colleges and universities to recruit as the JROTC Brigade tive school environment where he seeks underrepresented male teachers into edu- Commander for Jack- to connect with them and offer culturally cation. son Public Schools and relevant instruction. Robinson is looking forward to taking he was one of two stu- An example of this is his participation his efforts to a national stage and working dents from Mississippi Ruben Manasseh in the Yale National Initiative, a collabo- to increase the number of African-Ameri- Banks selected to participate ration designed to strengthen teaching in can teachers and other educators of color in the 2019 United the nation’s public schools. After taking a in America’s classrooms. He says he will States Senate Youth Program. seminar titled Race, Class and Punishment also advocate for ending school suspen- Banks can now add one more accolade at the Ivy League university with Pulit- sions, and instead seek to implement more to his list of achievements: a U.S. Presiden- zer Prize-winning author James Foreman, restorative justice and social and emotional tial Scholar for 2019. Banks was one of 161 Robinson created and taught a curriculum learning programs. high school seniors from across the nation on the history of prison and the Virginia During a speech at a recent ceremony recently selected to the 55th class of U.S. Juvenile Justice System. His hope was that at the White House, where Robinson was Presidential Scholars for their accomplish- the experience would give the students the congratulated by U.S. Secretary of Educa- ments in academics, the arts, or career and skills to serve as better advocates for them- tion Betsy DeVos, he asked the audience to technical fields. selves and to make better decisions. think back to the worst thing they did as Each year, the White House Commis- “My kids are in survival mode 24/7, and a teenager and imagine that everyone they sion on Presidential Scholars selects schol- so a lot of times, when they come into the met during those years (teachers, princi- ars based on their academic success, artis- detention center, they’re struggling to un- pals, counselors, student peers) judged tic and technical excellence, essays, school derstand it all,” said Robinson in an inter- them by that moment of weakness. evaluations and transcripts, as well as evi- view with NPR. “…And so I try to teach “Would you have been given the oppor- dence of community service, leadership, them about the system and how they can tunity to be where you are today?” he asked. and demonstrated commitment to high better be served.” “Would you be the person you are today? ideals. The program is administered by the Richmond Schools Superintendent Ja- My students are faced with this challenge U.S. Department of Education. son Kamras, who was named the 2005 Na- and deserve a great education just like ev- Banks is not the only big-city student tional Teacher of the Year as a teacher in ery other student in the United States, and to achieve this prestigious honor. Other the District of Columbia Public Schools, I am proud to be here to represent them.” Presidential Scholars continued on page 7 praised Robinson for seeing the hope, promise and potential in every student he teaches. “He represents everything we Saint Louis continued from page 3 stand for,” said Kamras, “boundless love for our students, a fierce commitment to trict and restore stability. been participating in leadership training equity, and an unyielding pursuit of excel- In 2017, the district was granted full provided by the Missouri School Boards’ lence. There is simply no one more honor- accreditation and a special committee was Association. able and more deserving of this recognition convened to study board governance. Af- “We’re really proud of the commitment than Mr. Robinson.” ter reviewing the committee’s findings and that the elected board…and Dr. Adams As the 2019 Teacher of Year, Robinson extensive feedback from the community, it have made to ensure they’re ready to be will spend the year traveling the country as was recommended that governance be re- a governing board,” said Melissa Randol, a spokesperson and advocate for the teach- stored to the district’s school board. executive director of the Missouri School ing profession. The board is scheduled to regain con- Boards’ Association, in the St. Louis Post- trol in July 2019 and board members have Dispatch.

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Award-Winning Documentary Chronicles D.C. Schools Launch A Year in a Minneapolis Elementary School First-of-its Kind Graduation Guide At the start of the 2017-2018 school year two journalists from Minneapolis news station KARE 11, reporter Lindsey High school students attending the Seavert and photojournalist Ben Garvin, District of Columbia Public Schools in created a series of news stories on Lucy Washington, D.C., will have a new way to Laney Community School in north Min- track their progress toward college. neapolis. TheStudent Guide to Graduation, Col- The elementary school had been on the lege, and Career was developed to offer state’s list of failing schools for almost two students from ninth through 11th grade decades. According to the Star-Tribune, 82 an in-depth look at their progress toward percent of the school’s students qualify for graduation. The first-of-its-kind guide will free or reduced-price lunch, 12 percent of consider academic performance, standard- students are homeless and about 80 percent ized test scores and personal interests in of the students test a grade level or more determining a student’s progress and areas below their current grade. for improvement. The television news stories about Lucy No two students’ guides are the same – Laney were so compelling that they were each is customized to the student’s grade turned into a 90-minute documentary level, courses, diploma or certificate path- called “Love Them First: Lessons from way, post-secondary plans and test scores. Lucy Laney Elementary,” which recently District officials believe the guide, had its world premiere at the Minneapolis- which will be sent by mail and available St. Paul International Film Festival. A student holds a poster from the “Love Them online, will create more opportunities for First” documentary about an elementary school The film chronicles the ups and downs in Minneapolis. Photo credit: Melody Gilbert counselors to work with students in deter- of life at the school, led by its charismatic mining their future goals. principal Mauri Melander Friestleben, who “This guide will provide our students struggles to get her school off the state’s list troupe whose family faces homelessness. and their families with clear, personalized of low-performing schools. Minneapolis Schools Superintendent information to understand the steps they The filmmakers were given unprec- Ed Graff praised the film for offering a raw need to take to earn a diploma, learn about edented access for a year to follow Friestle- and real look into the experience found in college and career opportunities aligned ben, her dedicated staff and their students many of the district’s schools. “Our stu- with their interests and aspirations, and as they celebrate their successes, including dents, staff and families are brilliant and develop a plan to hit the ground running the school making gains on the state’s stan- bring so much to our school each day,” said once they graduate,” said District of Co- dardized test scores and suspensions being Graff. “There’s a lot of work that goes into lumbia Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee reduced by 90 percent. meeting each of their unique needs, and we in a news statement. There is also heartbreak, such as when hope this film helps showcase that while Friestleben, who has served as the school’s starting important conversations about principal since 2012, has to speak to stu- what it means to educate all children, ev- dents after gunfire occurs at a neighbor- erywhere.” Nation’s Best continued from page 1 hood playground with children outside. After the premiere of “Love Them The school’s students also play promi- First,” multiple screenings were added and “The Charleston County School Dis- nent roles in the film, particularly fifth- quickly sold out. The film also received an trict strives for excellence in all things,” graders Sophia and Naysha. Sophia is Audience Choice Award for best Minne- said Charleston Schools Superintendent Lucy Laney’s student council president sota-made documentary. Gerrita Postlewait. “With a team of com- and as the school year begins learns she A portion of the proceeds from the tick- mitted educators and students dedicated to will be placed for adoption, along with her et sales of the film were donated directly to learning, schools like Academic Magnet … two younger brothers who also attend Lucy Lucy Laney. For more information about continuously excel beyond measure. This Laney. The film also follows the journey of the film access https://www.lovethemfirst. national honor is a direct result of what can Naysha, a member of the school’s dance com/screenings/ be accomplished with hard work.”

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Denver School District Pilots Boston and Jackson Free College Testing Program To Launch High-Quality

Last fall, students in Denver Public The program was available at four school Pre-K Programs Schools told superintendent candidate Su- sites and free transportation was provided sana Cordova they would like the school for the 200 students who participated. In an effort to provide students early district to provide more test preparation Filiz Baltaci, a junior who plans to go access to a high-quality education, Boston program opportu- into forensic Public Schools and Mississippi’s Jackson nities for the SAT psychology, Public Schools are launching Pre-K pro- college-entrance said the pro- grams. exam. gram helped Boston Mayor Martin Walsh recently A first-gener- him do better announced that the city has invested $15 ation college stu- on the reading million in his FY20 budget to establish the dent, Cordova is and writing Quality Pre-K Fund, which will guarantee now the district’s sections of the equitable access to free, high-quality pre- superintendent. SAT. kindergarten for all 4-year-olds living in Under her leader- “Before the Boston. ship, the district Kaplan pro- The Quality Pre-K Fund is designed to recently piloted a Two Denver students participate in the district’s free gram, I wasn’t support the creation of 750 high-quality Kaplan SAT Test Prep Program. free Kaplan Test very knowl- seats in the nationally recognized pre-K Prep program to edgeable about programs in Boston Public Schools and in provide students with high-quality SAT the SAT, but I gained a lot of knowledge on community-based organizations, including test-taking strategies and personalized how to take the test and where I needed to Head Start, Boys & Girls Clubs and the preparation. focus,” said Baltaci in a story that appeared YMCA. For eight weeks, Kaplan instructors held on the Denver school district’s website. The $15 million will ensure classrooms practice test sessions on Saturday, allowing District officials are pleased with the -re are staffed with highly-trained and well- students to gain effective instruction and a sults of the pilot program and are looking compensated teachers, culturally respon- sense of what a test-day experience would to expand it. sive and inclusive learning environments, be like. ongoing professional development for staff and use of a proven curriculum that focuses Miami School Named Top Magnet in the Nation on literacy, math and supports for students with additional needs. Miami Lakes Educational Center is one ample of Miami-Dade’s belief that all chil- “Through the Quality Pre-K Fund, we of only two dual-delivery schools in the dren have the potential to soar to extraor- are providing more access and flexibility Miami-Dade County School District pro- dinary academic heights when they are for families of 4-year-olds that will help viding vocational training as well as high exposed to curriculum that is cutting-edge to close opportunity and achievement gaps school academics with a unique blend of and robust,” said Miami Schools Superin- and set up our youngest learners for long- programs that integrate career and techni- tendent Alberto Carvalho. term educational success,” said Boston cal education. The Waldrip Award, MSA’s second Public Schools Interim Superintendent In recognition of its efforts, Miami highest national award for a magnet Laura Perille. Lakes was named the top magnet school in school, was presented to the Energy In- the nation by Magnet Schools of America stitute High School in Houston. The high Pre-K Pilot in Jackson (MSA). school offers engineering and core classes The school received the 2019 Dr. Ron- through program-based learning, technol- A Pre-K pilot program, “Ready To ald P. Simpson Magnet School of Merit ogy integration and partnerships with en- Learn,” seeks to ensure that children in Award of Excellence, the MSA’s most gaged community businesses. Jackson Public Schools are well prepared prestigious award for magnet schools, at In addition, MacFarlane Park El- to enter kindergarten by the age of five. the 37th annual MSA National Conference ementary in Hillsborough County Pub- The program is funded by a $1.2-mil- held recently in Baltimore. lic Schools in Tampa, Fla., was awarded lion grant by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “Winning the prestigious Magnet the Elementary Magnet School of Merit Schools of America award is another ex- Award of Excellence. Pre-K Programs continued on page 7

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Presidential Scholars continued from page 4

recipients were Aden Jon Rothmeyer from South Anchorage High School in Anchorage; Amando DeJesus Candelario from Eric Solorio Academy High School in Chicago; Allison Kim Tien Tu from duPont Manual Magnet High School in Louisville; Ian Henry Carnate Acosta from Waipahu High School in Hawaii; Ananya Sahiba Dewan from Northwest Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas; Abigail Pribisova from Eldorado High School in Albuquerque; Madelaine Lebetkin from Brooklyn Technical High School in New York City; and Isaac Arnold Wells-Cage from Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School in Milwaukee. Urban students selected as Presiden- tial Scholars in the Arts were Nina Ah- madi from Design & Architecture Senior Debate coach Andy Fine from Chicago’s Lane Tech looks on as students Ariana Collazo and Aysia High School in Miami; Emma Claire Grey hold their first-place trophies for winning the 2019 Urban Debate National Championship. Photo credit: National Association for Urban Debate Leagues and Chris Dilts Sutherland from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts in Dallas; Anthony Choi from High Chicago School Repeats as Debate Champions School for Math, Science, and Engineer- ing at City College of New York; and Njari The debate team from Lane Tech High there will be people who look at what we Dimario Anderson from Alexander W. School in Chicago recently won the 2019 did and say, ‘We can do it too,’” said Col- Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Urban Debate National Championship, lazo in the Sun-Times. Beach, Fla. beating 41 teams from across the nation to A team from Lane Tech also won the Since 1964, the U.S. Presidential Schol- take home the first-place trophy. debate championship in 2008, making ars Program has honored more than 7,500 This is the second year in a row a team Lane Tech the school with the most na- of the nation’s top-performing students. from Lane Tech has won the tournament. tional championships in the 12-year his- In addition, senior Ariana Collazo, a tory of the tournament. member of this year’s winning debate team The 2019 Urban Debate National Pre-K Programs continued from page 6 along with Aysia Grey, competed on last Championship was held on the campus year’s team, making her the only debater to of Georgetown University in Washington, The pilot program will undergo a two- win the Urban Debate National Champi- D.C., and featured teams from 21 urban year development process with the first year onship twice. debate leagues across the nation competing dedicated to building data and coalitions of “I didn’t expect this to happen,” said against each other. The three-day tourna- early childhood educators across the city. Collazo in an interview with the Chicago ment was hosted by the National Associa- The second year will focus on implement- Sun-Times. “It proved how far I’ve come tion for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL), ing the pilot Pre-K program at two early in all my years of debate. I was just really which supports a national network of ur- childhood development centers in Jackson. shocked and proud that I was able to do ban debate leagues in 22 cities and serves “We have recognized that one of the that.” nearly 11,000 students. significant deficits in our children’s ability Collazo has participated in debate since Urban debate teams compete in a style to learn in Jackson Public Schools is that her freshman year and in the fall will at- called policy debate, in which teams of two they are entering into the school system at tend DePaul University and major in Afri- students debate on a current event topic. different levels of preparation, and we need can American studies. This year’s topic was whether the United to assist our community in preparing our “Aysia and I winning that tournament… States federal government should substan- young people to start the learning process,” creates a huge impact on what the debate tially reduce its restrictions on legal immi- said Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lu- community will be in a few years because gration to the United States. mumba in a news statement.

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Miami, Philly Teachers Win Inspiration Award

The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sond- heim Inspirational Teacher Awards were recently presented to six teachers. Inspired by the late composer-lyricist, the award recognizes teachers who have had an ex- traordinary impact on students’ lives, cel- ebrates the teaching profession and the important role of teachers in society, and seeks to inspire others to pursue a profes- sion in teaching. Teachers are nominated for the award by current or former students, who submit a written, audio, or video story detailing the teacher’s impact. This year, two urban school district educa- New York Chancellor Testifies on Capitol Hill tors were among the six recipients to receive the On the heels of the 65th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark case award. Brown v. Board of Education, Richard Carranza, the chancellor for the New York City Jennifer Jimenez, a school system, testified on April 30 before the House Committee on Education in music teacher at South Jennifer Jimenez a hearing on educational equity. As chancellor of the nation’s largest school system, Miami Senior High in Carranza said that the school district is implementing several initiatives to increase Miami, was nominated for the award by school diversity, including eliminating the single test for specialized high schools, one of her former students, Jackeline Ze- and believes that meaningful integration in education is the responsibility of every- laya. Zelaya credits Jimenez with teaching one who cares about the future of the nation’s public school students. “We believe her to “breathe” not only that integration and equity can unleash our students’ innate brilliance, unlock their to master the flute, but creativity, and put them on a path to their dreams,” he said. also to get through the tough situations life may bring. Urban Students Win Robotics Championship Olga Torres, a health information manage- A robotics team from Palm Harbor Team Boom Bots also achieved a world- ment teacher at Mast- University High School in Florida’s Pinel- record score at the competition. baum Vocational High Olga Torres las County Schools was recently crowned The FIRST championship is considered School in Philadelphia, world champions at the FIRST (For In- the world’s largest celebration of STEM was nominated for the award by former spiration and Recognition of Science and (science, technology, engineering, math) student Sandy Matczak. Matczak grew Technology) Robotics World Champion- for students and brings together thousands up in poverty, had a tough childhood, and ship in Houston. of students from around the world who credits Torres with improving her life. The four-day competition featured 160 participate in K-12 robotics programs. “She believed in me and because of her teams from around the world competing The comprehensive robotics competi- commitment to motivating her students, I against each other in qualification matches tion aims to inspire high school students went to both college and graduate school,” and judging interviews. to learn about mechanical design and en- wrote Matczak. The students from Palm Harbor Uni- gineering, computer design, programming Each award winner receives $10,000 versity called Team Boom Bots defeated and professional writing. The competition and will be showcased, along with the peo- the two-year returning champions in a 2-0 also encourages students to utilize their ple they inspired, on The Kennedy Center/ series in front of 40,000 spectators in the skills to reach success in various awards Stephen Sondheim Inspiration Teachers Minute Maid Baseball Stadium. throughout the competition season. Award website.

8 | URBAN EDUCATOR URBAN EDUCATOR | 9 MAY 2019 INSIDE THE COUNCIL

Portland Schools Superintendent Works to Transform a District

In 2017 when Guadalupe Guerrero as- sumed the helm of Oregon’s Portland Pub- of strategies, Portland can be the premier lic Schools – the state’s largest with 49,000 In the school district in both Oregon and the na- students – he inherited a district that had tion. lacked a permanent superintendent for Spotlight Since becoming superintendent, Guer- more than a year and had several vacancies rero and his leadership team have worked in the senior leadership team. on strengthening the district’s core depart- So job one for the new superintendent ments and improving programs focused on was recruiting an executive team of experi- ers is a major priority, so the district sends student academic achievement and student enced educators and administrators. Today, recruiters to historically black colleges and support. The school system has also col- looking back on the work of building the universities and seeks out bilingual teach- lected parent and community feedback team, he is proud of the caliber of talent ers from the southwest and California. through focus groups and forums and and the diversity they represent. will soon publish a vision for the Portland In a recent interview with the Urban Prepared for the Job school system’s future. Educator, Guerrero said a guiding principle “We’ve been working really hard to cre- in building his team was choosing leaders Guerrero is a first-time superintendent, ate a coherent school district and create a that reflect the diversity of the students but believes his 25 years in urban education vision for the future,” said Guerrero. “And served by Portland Public Schools. “I had have more than prepared him for the job. at the very center of that vision is students.” a central office that was almost entirely In October 2018, the Portland white, and yet within 60 days I had a com- school board evaluated Guerrero’s plete cabinet and 48 percent are people of job performance and praised him color,” he said. “And I didn’t have any prob- for hiring a new leadership team, lem recruiting these highly talented leaders developing a standards-based cur- of color.” riculum for students and reaching The oldest of four siblings of a single settlements with the district’s six mother, Guerrero entered public schools in unions. California as an English language learner Guerrero, who is 49, met his and is passionate about providing a high- wife Carolyn when they were quality education for all students, especially both teachers in Boston. They those who have been historically under- have been married for 19 years served. And as the Portland school system’s and have two children. Portland Schools Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero first Hispanic superintendent, he is com- visits a classroom. A classically trained violinist, mitted to ensuring racial equity for the Guerrero was a music education district’s students of color, who comprise A graduate of UCLA, he began his career major before changing his major to history approximately 30 percent of the student as a teacher in the San Francisco Unified because he wanted to work in education. population. School District and moved to Boston Pub- And he still enjoys playing when he can Another goal is encouraging local col- lic Schools to serve as a principal before find the time. leges to recruit and support students of returning to San Francisco as an assistant Guerrero, who has master’s degrees from color to become teachers. “They are our superintendent in 2010. Two years later, he Harvard University’s School Leadership candidate pool, so if it’s not diverse there, was promoted to deputy superintendent of Program and its Urban Superintendents it’s slim pickings for us,” said Guerrero who instruction, innovation and social justice Program, believes his entire career has pre- is leading the district to grow its own urban under then-superintendent Richard Car- pared him to help lead a transformation of teacher residency program. ranza. Portland Public Schools that will take the “I very much look forward to moving From his experience working in the school system to the next level. in that direction,” said Guerrero, “so that San Francisco and Boston school systems, “I’m excited here in Portland because I we’re cultivating future educators that have Guerrero learned that in order to improve have recruited a set of national level lead- a clear sense of the skill sets that we need student outcomes districts must pay atten- ers, combined with talent here locally, to do to serve and meet the priorities of the stu- tion to essential building blocks such as the right work that school systems that are dents we have here in the district.” curriculum, instruction and assessments. high-performing do,” said Guerrero. “The Expanding the ranks of talented teach- And he believes that with the right set storyline here is that Portland is in the ear- ly phases of transformation.”

8 | URBAN EDUCATOR URBAN EDUCATOR | 9 LEGISLATIVE COLUMN MAY 2019

Breaking Out of the Status-Quo in Federal Education Funding ByBreaking Jeff Simering, Director Out of Legislation the Status-Quo in Federal Education Funding By Jeff Simering,Director of Legislation

The U.S. House Appropriation Committee has re- Perkins CTE grants and the Adult Educa- portedThe an U.S. FY House2020 Labor,Appropriation HHS, Education Committee spend has re-- Perkinstion CTE program grants also and would the Adultreceive Education small in- ingported bill ancontaining FY 2020 notableLabor, HHS,funding Education increases spending for key programcreases. also would receive small increases. federalbill containing education notable grant fundingprograms. increases Under forthe keyleader fed-- shiperal educationof Chairwoman grant programs.Nita Lowey Under (D-NY) the andleadership Sub- In theIn past the week,past week,discussions discussions between between Presi- committeeof Chairwoman Chairwoman Nita Lowey Rosa (D-NY)DeLauro and(D-CT), Subcom re-- dent TrumpPresident and Trump Democratic and Democratic congressional congres lead-- cordmittee funding Chairwoman levels have Rosa been DeLauro proposed (D-CT), for multiple record ershipsional on federal leadership investments on federal in infrastructureinvestments educationfunding levels programs have beenthat inproposed recent years for multiple have received educa- projectsin infrastructurehave also been projects jump-started. have also Head been- smalltion programs to modest that increases in recent at best. years have received small ing intojump-started. the April 30Headingth meeting, into Speaker the April Nancy 30th to modest increases at best. Pelosimeeting, (D- Calif Speaker ) and NancyMinority Pelosi Leader (D- ChuckCalif) While the FY 2020 appropriations process has a Schumerand Minority(D-NY) includedLeader Chuck school Schumer construction (D- longWhile way tothe go FYbefore 2020 completion, appropriations the House process Com has- a in theirNY) national included infrastructure school construction plan, in contrast in their to mitteelong way bill to is go a beforegreat start.completion, Yet, the the necessity House Committeefor an bill the Administration’snational infrastructure infrastructure plan plan, in 2017in contrast that did to thenot overallis a great federal start. Yet,budget the necessityagreement for to an increase overall federalboth budget mention school Administration’sconstruction. infrastructure plan in 2017 defenseagreement and to domestic increase bothbudget defense ceilings and remains domestic among budget several ceil- that did not mention school construction. hurdlesings remains that must among be clearedseveral tohurdles avoid thatanother must federal be cleared funding to Following the White House meeting, a tentative “meeting stand-off.avoid another federal funding stand-off. of Followingthe minds” the on Whitea $2-trillion House infrastructuremeeting, a tentative investment “meeting was ofannounced, the minds” but on the a “pay$2-trillion for” mechanism infrastructure and other investment details havewas TheThe HouseHouse CommitteeCommittee proposesproposes toto increaseincrease thethe EducationEducation announced,been left to butsubsequent the “pay meetings.for” mechanism The linchpin and other to detailsany compre have- Department’sDepartment’s overalloverall discretionarydiscretionary appropriationsappropriations byby $5.1$5.1 bilbil-- beenhensive left infrastructureto subsequent agreement,meetings. The however, linchpin seems to any to comprerest on- lionlion oror 7.27.2 percent.percent. NotNot sincesince thethe earlyearly yearsyears ofof thethe NoNo ChildChild hensiveincreasing infrastructure the federal agreement,gas tax, which however, has not seems been toraised rest foron LeftLeft BehindBehind ActAct oror thethe stimulusstimulus billbill underunder PresidentPresident ObamaObama increasingsome 25 years.the federal By paying gas tax, for which transportation has not been improvements raised for havehave similarsimilar levelslevels ofof federalfederal investmentinvestment inin elementaryelementary andand somewith a25 gas years. tax increase,By paying other for sourcestransportation of federal improvements tax revenue secondarysecondary educationeducation beenbeen legislated.legislated. withcould a be gas used tax forincrease, other nationalother sources infrastructure of federal priorities, tax revenue such couldas upgrading be used the for electricalother national grid, portsinfrastructure and waterways, priorities, housing, such UnderUnder thethe newnew HouseHouse bill,bill, spendingspending onon thethe cornerstonecornerstone asbroadband upgrading expansion, the electrical and grid,schools. ports Additionally, and waterways, the extenthousing, of ElementaryElementary andand SecondarySecondary EducationEducation ActAct (ESEA)(ESEA) TitleTitle II broadbandany financial expansion, contribution and schools. from state Additionally, and local thegovernments extent of programprogram forfor disadvantageddisadvantaged studentsstudents wouldwould increaseincrease byby $1$1 bilbil-- anyand financialthe private contribution sector has yet from to be state addressed. and local governments lion.lion. Similarly,Similarly, thethe IndividualsIndividuals withwith DisabilitiesDisabilities EducationEducation ActAct and the private sector has yet to be addressed. (IDEA)(IDEA) PartPart BB programprogram forfor studentsstudents withwith disabilitiesdisabilities wouldwould In the remaining weeks of the current school year, it is es- increaseincrease byby $1$1 billion.billion. OtherOther corecore elementaryelementary andand secondarysecondary sentialIn the that remaining school officialsweeks of thecontact current their school congressional year, it is esrep-- educationeducation programsprograms wouldwould alsoalso benefitbenefit fromfrom additionaladditional fundfund-- sentialresentatives that schoolto ensure officials that school contact construction their congressional funding repis- ing.ing. TheThe ESEAESEA TitleTitle II-AII-A programprogram forfor teacherteacher professionalprofessional resentativesincluded in toany ensure federal that infrastructure school construction program. fundingGiven the is developmentdevelopment andand class-sizeclass-size reductionreduction wouldwould increaseincrease byby $500$500 includedbreadth of in the any nation’s federal infrastructure infrastructure needs, program. schools Given could theget millionmillion (24.3(24.3 percent)percent) afterafter beingbeing targetedtargeted forfor eliminationelimination inin breadthshort-changed of the nation’sor shut infrastructureout of a final needs,legislative schools package. could Straget- PresidentPresident Trump’sTrump’s budget.budget. TheThe ESEAESEA TitleTitle IV-AIV-A wouldwould inin-- short-changedtegic outreach toor yourshut congressionalout of a final representativeslegislative package. should Stra be- creasecrease byby $150$150 millionmillion (12.8(12.8 percent)percent) despitedespite beingbeing targetedtargeted tegica top outreachend-of-year to your priority. congressional representatives should be forfor eliminationelimination inin thethe Administration’sAdministration’s budgetbudget request.request. a top end-of-year priority. Federal taxing and spending issues remain highly charged TheThe ESEAESEA TitleTitle IIIIII programprogram forfor EnglishEnglish languagelanguage learnerslearners andFederal politically taxing precarious. and spending Nonetheless, issues remain Congress highly has charged gotten isis alsoalso proposedproposed forfor aa long-overduelong-overdue $243$243 millionmillion increaseincrease oror andoff topolitically a good start precarious. on spending Nonetheless, and infrastructure. Congress hasAny gottenbiparti- 32.932.9 increase.increase. TitleTitle IIIIII fundingfunding hashas remainedremained virtuallyvirtually stagstag-- offsan toaccomplishments a good start on spendingwill happen and in infrastructure. the remaining Anymonths biparti of- nantnant sincesince FY2002.FY2002. TheThe 2121stst CenturyCentury AfterAfter SchoolSchool programprogram isis san2019, accomplishments before election-year will happenpolitics inoverride the remaining everything. months Urban of slatedslated forfor anan 8.28.2 percentpercent increase,increase, whilewhile thethe MagnetMagnet SchoolsSchools 2019,school before leaders election-year must keep criticalpolitics school-basedoverride everything. needs in Urban front programprogram isis proposedproposed forfor aa 16.816.8 percentpercent increase.increase. schoolof their leaders Washington must keep delegation critical overschool-based the next needsmonth in and front at ofthe their outset Washington of the new delegationschool year. over the next month and at the outset of the new school year.

10 | URBAN EDUCATOR URBAN EDUCATOR | 11 MAY 2019 INSIDE THE COUNCIL

Manchester District Joins Council

The Council of the Great City Schools recently added New Hamp- shire’s Manchester School District to its roster, increasing the urban-school coalition’s membership to 75 public school systems. The Manchester school district, the state’s largest, has 14,000 students and is led by interim co-superintendents Amy Allen and Jennifer Gillis. Notable alumni of the school sys- tem include actor and comedians Seattle’s Roosevelt High School was the winner of the 24th Annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival. Photo credit: Ayano Hisa/Jazz at Lincoln Center Adam Sandler and Sarah Silverman; talk-show host Seth Myers; and best- Seattle School Wins Jazz Band Competition selling author Dan Brown.

The jazz band from Roosevelt High Sponsored by Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at School in Seattle was the winner of the 24th Lincoln Center, the three-day competi- Annual Essentially Ellington High School tion featured mentoring, jam sessions and Jazz Band Competition & Festival recently workshops, culminating in a concert where held in New York City. each top-placing band performed. Considered the nation’s most prestigious The second-place winner in the 2019 competition in high school jazz, Roosevelt Essentially Ellington competition was beat 14 other jazz bands from across the Dillard Center for the Arts from Broward country to take home the first-place prize. County Public Schools in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Anti-Vaping Campaign Launched in Jefferson County

Jefferson County Public Schools in understand how the e-cigarette industry cent in 2017. The website for the Louisville Louisville, Ky., is launching a districtwide and tobacco and vaping companies use school system’s anti-vaping campaign is campaign to discourage the use of vaping. marketing to target teens, and how to de- www.vapingequals.com. The campaign, called “Vaping Equals,” velop refusal strategies. will focus on educating middle and high “Vaping equals known and unknown school students about the dangers of using health effects,” said Jefferson County Pub- e-cigarettes. lic Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio The district is teaming with the Louis- during the announcement of the campaign. ville Metro Department of Public Health “And while many teens believe that vaping and will disseminate information about the is a safe habit, electronic cigarettes contain health risks of vaping to students through nicotine and chemicals and are just as ad- the use of posters, a new website and dictive as traditional ones.” through social media messages. According to the Centers for Disease As part of the campaign, students will Control and Prevention, teen use of e- complete skills-based health lessons to cigarettes has risen from about 1.5 percent A poster from Jefferson County Public Schools’ learn how the use of e-cigarettes is unsafe, of high school students in 2011 to 12 per- anti-vaping campaign.

10 | URBAN EDUCATOR URBAN EDUCATOR | 11 Council of the Great City Schools PRESORT FIRST-CLASS MAIL ® 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 1100N U.S. POSTAGE PAID Washington DC 20004 MERRIFIELD, VA PERMIT NO. 2333

San Antonio District Great City Grads To Open Health Clinics

Texas’ San Antonio Independent School District is teaming with a local health or- ganization to open health clinics at two middle schools with low attendance rates. The healthcare centers will provide such services as immunizations and prescription refills. They will be staffed by a nurse prac- titioner or physician’s assistant paid for by the University Health System, while the San Antonio school system will pay for the Fort Worth Student cost of the health centers. The clinics are scheduled to open in the Debuts Recipe fall of 2019 and 2020. Also, high school students in San An- Mark Torres, a culinary student tonio will be able to become certified reg- at Texas’ Fort Worth Independent istered nurses, as a result of a partnership School District, displays the Ooh la among the district and several community Matt Groening la Chicken recipe he created. His dish partners to start a new nursing program. was one of two created by Fort Worth Within four to six years, students at Creator of “The Simpsons” students that were recently featured the district’s Fox Tech High School will on the Kids Fit menu at la Madeleine be able to earn a high-school diploma, an 1972 Graduate French Bakery and Café restaurants associate degree in nursing, and industry Lincoln High School nationwide. “[The] teams blew us certifications at no cost. Students will also away,” said vice president of marketing receive job placement assistance. The pro- Portland Public Schools for la Madeleine, Jacqueline O’Reilly. gram will be open to ninth graders in the fall of the 2020-2021 school year.