Members In The News
Gwinnett Wins Prestigious Broad Prize for Urban Education
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ongratulations to Gwinnett County Public Schools, which, along with Orange County Public Schools (Florida), won the prestigious 2014 Broad Foundation Prize for Urban Education. As co-winners, the two districts shared a $1 million prize and each received $500,000 in college scholarships for seniors. Gwinnett, Georgia’s largest school dis-
trict, was cited for increases in average SAT scores among African-American students, among other achievements. In 2013, 88 percent of Gwinnett County’s high school seniors took the SAT, including 90 percent of the district’s African-American seniors. The district ranked in the top 20 percentile statewide for the percentage of low-income students hitting top levels on state exams in reading, math and science. The award is unusual in that districts cannot nominate themselves. Nominees are chosen from large urban districts nationwide that meet criteria for enrollment and percentages of low-income students, among other factors. In 2013, 55 percent of Gwinnett students qualified for the Federal Free
Georgia’s largest school district was cited for increases in average SAT scores among AfricanAmerican students, among other achievements.
Officers President Leslie Mills President-Elect Stephanie Davis Howard Treasurer Lamar Scott Past-President Dr. Emily Felton Secretary Kelli De Guire Directors District 1 District 8 Amy Denty Lindsey Raulerson District 2 District 9 Dr. Todd Cason Miranda Willingham District 3 District 10 Allison Scenna Shannon Hammond District 4 District 11 Rochelle Lofstrand Dr. Sandra Owens District 5 District 12 Nick Zomer Donna Graham District 6 District 13 Dr. Susan Mullins Dr. Hayward Cordy District 7 TBA Ex-Officio Megan King
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and Reduced Lunch Program. A second-time winner, Gwinnett won the prize in 2010 and was a 2009 finalist. Among the four national finalists, an education research team spends four days in each district, talking with more than 200 employees. A selection jury of national leaders in education and public service then uses the quantitative data and information gathered during the intensive visits to choose the winner. “We were impressed with Gwinnett County’s steady, sustainable gains,” former Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell, a member of the selection jury, stated in a press release. Gwinnett Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks and school board members were at the award ceremony in New York City where U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan made n the announcement in September.
The articles published in PAGE One represent the views of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, except where clearly stated. Contact the Editor: Tim Callahan; tcallahan@pageinc.org, PAGE One magazine; PAGE; P.O. Box 942270; Atlanta, GA 31141-2270; 770-216-8555; 800-334-6861. Contributions/gifts to the PAGE Foundation are deductible as charitable contribution by federal law. Costs for PAGE lobbying on behalf of members are not deductible. PAGE estimates that 7 percent of the nondeductible portion of your 2014–15 dues is allocated to lobbying. PAGE One magazine (ISSN 1523-6188) is mailed to all PAGE members, selected higher education units and other school-related professionals. An annual subscription is included in PAGE membership dues. A subscription for others is $10 annually. Periodicals class non-profit postage paid at Atlanta, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. (USPS 017-347) Postmaster: Send address changes to PAGE One, P.O. Box 942270, Atlanta, GA 31141–2270. PAGE One magazine is published five times a year (January, March, May, August and October) by New South Publishing, Inc.; 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210; Atlanta, GA, 30350; 770-650-1102. Copyright ©2015
January/February 2015
