NEWS

Welcoming three new members to Chiefs for Change

Chiefs for Change
December 14, 2016

Chiefs for Change members represent 4.3 million students.

Chiefs for Change CEO Mike Magee today announced that three new schools Chiefs have joined the coalition. These are the latest of the 17 new members that Chiefs for Change added in 2016.

“Effective leaders advancing bold policies are what advance student outcomes,” John White, CFC Board Chair and Louisiana State Superintendent of Education said. “Our three new members have track records of success, and they’ve demonstrated the courage and the commitment it will take to move the needle for students in their districts.”

“In just a year’s time, we have built a unique community of practice in which the nation’s most transformational leaders come together to share innovations, lessons, and challenges,” Magee said. “The 17 members we’ve added this year are focused on empowering students, families, teachers, and school leaders. Our three newest Chiefs will help us continue to advocate for students across the country, and we look forward to working closely with each of them.”

The three new members are:

Tommy Chang: Superintendent of Boston Public Schools, Massachusetts
Pedro Martinez: Superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District, Texas
Sonja Santelises: Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, Maryland

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From our new members:

Tommy Chang / Boston Public Schools, Massachusetts
“It is the role of school-system leaders to foster innovation and create environments where teaching and learning are truly transformed, achievement and opportunity gaps are closed, and the cultural and linguistic identities of our young people are embraced. I am very excited about the opportunity to collaborate with this dedicated group of highly effective leaders.”

Pedro Martinez / San Antonio Independent School District, Texas
“I’m energized by the emphasis that Chiefs for Change members place on empowering local leadership and engaging deeply with communities to shape and propel educational improvements for students. I’m excited to join a community of practice with a wealth of leadership experience and commitment to our kids.”

Sonja Santelises / Baltimore City Public Schools, Maryland
“I am honored to be joining forces with a group of distinguished colleagues from around the country who are deeply committed to this important work. This is a diverse group of leaders who offer creative solutions to the challenges our students face, and I look forward to working with them to effect positive outcomes for our students and communities.”

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“American education is at a crossroads with the transition to ESSA and the recognition that we must create schools that prepare students for 21st century careers,” said White. “This has been a banner year for Chiefs for Change. I believe the growth in our membership is indicative of the quality of supports the organization provides to its members and the value of our coalition.”

We now have 26 members:

Malika Anderson: Superintendent of the Achievement School District, Tennessee

Robert Avossa: Superintendent of Palm Beach County Schools, Florida

Desmond K. Blackburn: Superintendent of Brevard County Schools, Florida

Chris Barbic: Former Superintendent of the Achievement School District, Tennessee

Tom Boasberg: Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, Colorado

Steve Canavero: Superintendent of Public Instruction, Nevada

Christopher D. Cerf: Superintendent of Newark Public Schools, New Jersey

Tommy Chang: Superintendent of Boston Public Schools, Massachusetts

Mitchell D. Chester: Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Massachusetts

Veronica Conforme: Chancellor of the Education Achievement Authority, Michigan

Dale Erquiaga: Former Superintendent of Public Instruction, Nevada

Lewis D. Ferebee: Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana

Deborah A. Gist: Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma

Eric Gordon: Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Ohio

Barbara Jenkins: Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, Florida

Hanseul Kang: State Superintendent of Education, District of Columbia

Christina M. Kishimoto: Superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools, Arizona

Pedro Martinez: Superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District, Texas

Mark Murphy: Former Secretary of Education, Delaware

Robert W. Runcie: Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools, Florida

Sonja Santelises: Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools, Maryland

Hanna Skandera: Secretary of Education, New Mexico

Brad Smith: Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Utah

John White: State Superintendent of Education, Louisiana

Antwan Wilson: Superintendent of Oakland Unified School District, California

Carey M. Wright: State Superintendent of Education, Mississippi

 

View a map of all Chiefs for Change members.