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To me, the beginning of the school year has always been extremely exciting.
During my 11-year tenure as the leader and founder of KIPP Baltimore, the beginning of the school year meant a fresh start for our students and staff. This year, it marks the beginning of my journey as the executive director of MarylandCAN.
To celebrate this new beginning, I am thrilled to unveil a brand-new www.marylandcan.org.
As you’ll see, MarylandCAN’s new online home features all of your favorite tools—from our school & district report cards to our signature research—but gives them a cleaner, fresher look. They were redesigned to be easier for you to use as you advocate to give all children more high-quality public school options, whether you do so as a parent, a community leader or a concerned citizen.
Please take a look around, and then ask your friends and family to do the same.
I chose to become MarylandCAN’s executive director because I believe fiercely in the vision of a Maryland where every student, no matter who they are or where they live, can thrive in a learning environment that meets their needs. I also believe fiercely in the teamwork it will take to turn that vision into a reality.
At KIPP Baltimore, teamwork among students, parents and staff is what allowed us to achieve the highest eighth-grade reading and math proficiency in the entire city. At MarylandCAN, teamwork among advocates will allow us to change the policies that get in the way of great schools and the students they serve.
That’s why I hope you’ll spread the word about MarylandCAN and help grow the movement. We have big plans for 2014, and we want to make sure as many Marylanders as possible are part of them.
I am excited for this new beginning, and I look forward to advocating alongside you for great schools for all. Because great schools change everything.