As sophomores and juniors, the Class of 2022 saw their high school years interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. That global event impacted everything from classes going back and forth between online and in-person learning to many events and activities being canceled, postponed or significantly changed. But they persevered and, as much of life returned to "normal" this school year, these high school seniors excelled. Read their inspiring stories.
Orlando and Boston Name New Leaders, Tampa Supt. Contract Extended
Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Fla., recently selected Maria Vazquez as its new superintendent. She is the current deputy superintendent and will be the first Hispanic superintendent of the 206,000-student school system. She will succeed Barbara Jenkins, who will retire at the end of the calendar year.
Jefferson County School Board Approves Historic School Choice Plan
In an effort to improve equity, boost attendance, improve students’ sense of belonging, and increase family involvement in their children’s schools, the school board for Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, Ky., unanimously voted to overhaul how it assigns students to schools.
Kelly Gonez, school board president for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), becomes chair of the Council of the Great City Schools’ Board of Directors for a one-year term, effective July 1.
On the one-year anniversary of the release of Investing American Rescue Plan Funds Strategically and Effectively, the Council of the Great City Schools has released a set of follow-up interim progress assessment guides to help member districts evaluate their investment and implementation efforts.
Karla Estrada recently joined the Council of the Great City Schools as its new chief academic officer. In this position, she will work to advance rigorous standards in the nation’s large urban schools by supporting Council member districts in implementing high-quality curriculum, instruction and practice that ensures all students are able to attain their greatest potential.
Accelerating Learning Recovery from Policy Miscalculations
In early June, the U.S. Department of Education finalized requirements for the Maintenance of Equity provision under the American Rescue Plan’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP-ESSER) funds.
A newsletter published by the Council of the Great City Schools, representing 76 of the nation’s largest urban public school districts. Click here to learn more. All news items should be submitted to Tonya Harris (tharris@cgcs.org).
