October 10, 2009

{K Bromery}

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 10, 2009


ATLANTA – The National School Boards Association’s (NSBA) Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) has named the Atlanta Board of Education winner of the 2009 annual award of Urban School Board Excellence. This prestigious award honors urban school districts that demonstrate progress in educating children and serve as role models in school board governance.

“Atlanta has shown that when a district’s governance team works together and focuses on the common goal of improving student achievement for all, progress and results will follow,” said Anne L. Bryant, executive director of NSBA. “We hope that the promise Atlanta has demonstrated will be held as an example for other large districts that may be struggling. Their gains are evidence that leadership, a strong community relationship, and high expectations are critical to a successful turnaround solution for school districts.”
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CUBE cited Atlanta Public Schools’ student academic achievements, operational efficiencies, strong governance structure and leadership consistency in awarding the Atlanta Board of Education its top annual award of recognition.

"We at Atlanta Public Schools congratulate our board on this prestigious award," said APS Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall. "The members of the board provide the leadership, vision and support that has resulted in APS' transformation into one of the fastest-improving urban school districts in the nation."



LaChandra Butler Burks, Atlanta Board of Education Chair, cited the team effort between the board and the district as a major factor for this success.
 


"The Atlanta Board of Education and Atlanta Public Schools have worked collaboratively to accelerate student academic improvement faster than any other large urban school district," Burks said. "One could not have been successful without the help of the other. We are proud to be cited as a model for urban school district leadership and accomplishment."

APS is in the midst of a remarkable turnaround in student achievement and operational efficiency. The APS student graduation rate has increased by more than 80 percent, moving from 39 percent in 2002 to 72 percent in 2008. Since 2002, APS has trimmed more than 1,100 staff positions, and has become a much leaner and robust district, completing 41 renovations, 15 new schools, and upgrading 11 other schools since 1999. In September, the district was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Earlier this year, Dr. Hall was recognized as the 2009 National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators.

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APS Board members receive their award in Austin, Texas.

From its steadily escalating student academic performance to its building and renovation program to its award-winning business and financial accomplishments, Atlanta Public Schools is continuously earning its designation as a model for the nation in urban public education.

{pdf icon}   Download CUBE Award Newsletter Article on APS.