San Francisco, Calif., February 20, 2009 – Beverly
Hall, superintendent of Atlanta, Ga., Public Schools since 1999, has
been named the 2009 National Superintendent of the Year. Hall was
honored today at the American Association of School Administrators’
National Conference on Education in San Francisco. Now in its 22nd
year, the National Superintendent of the Year program, co-sponsored by
AASA, ARAMARK Education and the ING Foundation, celebrates the
contributions and leadership of public school superintendents.
“Beverly
Hall is an outstanding superintendent whose leadership has turned
Atlanta into a model of urban school reform,” said AASA Executive
Director Dan Domenech. “Throughout her long and successful tenure in
Atlanta, Hall has accomplished significant gains in student
achievement. She has demonstrated a commitment to setting high
standards for students and school personnel, working collaboratively
with the school board, and meeting the needs of the local community.
AASA is proud to bestow this national honor on Hall.”
“Congratulations
to Beverly Hall for representing the ‘best of the best’ in public
school leadership,” said Dennis Maple, president, ARAMARK Education.
“ARAMARK is honored to be a part this special program that rewards and
recognizes a professional like Hall who truly cares about the wellbeing
of her students. Also, we salute this year's state winners who so
earnestly strive to give every child the ideal learning experience and
the greatest chance for success.”
“ING values education and all
educators who tirelessly strive to improve student achievement,” said
Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation. “Congratulations to
Beverly Hall for being recognized for her outstanding leadership in
ensuring students receive a quality education. ING also acknowledges
all superintendents who are advancing education in their districts.”
Hall,
60, has been superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, serving 50,000
students, for 10 years, making her one of the longest-serving
superintendents of an urban school district. She previously served as
state district superintendent of Newark, N.J., Public Schools.
As
the 2009 National Superintendent of the Year honoree, Hall is entitled
to present a $10,000 college scholarship to a student at the all-girls
high school in Jamaica from which she graduated before emigrating with
her family to New York City.
Hall is credited with transforming
the 102-school system in Atlanta through a comprehensive reform agenda.
Every elementary school in Atlanta made adequate yearly progress in
2008, and graduation rates at several high schools have risen sharply.
Hall
worked most of her early career in New York City, where she was a
teacher, principal and superintendent of a community school district.
She also spent a year as deputy chancellor for instruction in the New
York City Public Schools before her appointment to run the Newark,
N.J., schools, whose operation was taken over by the state.
She
received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and an advanced
certificate from Brooklyn College, and her doctoral degree from Fordham
University. She won the Richard R. Green award for urban education
leadership from the Council of the Great City Schools in 2006.
A
national blue ribbon panel of educators, business leaders and
government officials selected Hall from four national finalists. The
other national finalists were: Suzanne Freeman, superintendent of the
Trussville, Ala., City Schools; Stu Silberman, superintendent of the
Fayette County, Ky., Public Schools; and Gene White, superintendent of
the Indianapolis, Ind., Public Schools.
The four national
finalists were chosen from 49 state Superintendent of the Year
finalists, all of whom represent excellence in school leadership
nationwide. The annual awards program is open to all U.S. public school
superintendents as well as superintendents of American schools abroad
and Department of Defense Education Activity School superintendents who
plan to continue in the profession.
The national Superintendent of the Year finalists are measured against the following criteria:
- Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system.
- Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication.
- Professionalism
– constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while
providing professional development opportunities and motivation to
others on the education team.
- Community involvement – active
participation in local community activities and an understanding of
regional, national and international issues.
About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2009 list of "World's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 260,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com.
Contacts:
Amy Vogt, AASA
703-875-0723
avogt@aasa.org
David Gargione, ARAMARK
215-238-3559
gargione-david@aramark.com
Audria Belton Benn, ING
770-980-5715
audria.benn@us.ing.com