Press Release Details
Superintendent Carranza Meets with President Obama To Discuss Legislation, Reforms and Challenges
March 16, 2015 (San Francisco) – San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Richard A. Carranza joined 10 other urban school superintendents and board members to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House to discuss a range of issues, reforms and challenges aimed at improving American urban public education.
President Obama heard from urban school leaders, all members of the Council of Great City Schools, regarding the negative impact the U.S. House of Representatives’ proposed legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act – HR5 – would have on urban schools, which serve a large percentage of minority and disadvantaged students, English language learners and students with disabilities.
“There has been a historic gap in opportunities among our students,” said Carranza at the meeting. “Our schools are committed to educating all our students to a high level, and we will hold ourselves accountable to our students.”
Urban-school leaders described academic progress that has been made in their school districts, including the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, increased student participation in Advanced Placement courses, turning around struggling schools, and helping males of color and English language learners succeed.
Superintendent Barbara Jenkins of Florida’s Orange County Public Schools in Orlando told the president that much of urban-school progress that has been created under his leadership would be at risk if a bill is passed that undercuts accountability, annual testing, high college and career-ready standards and equity.
The group, including Carranza, spoke with the press afterward.
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Page updated on 03/16/15