Nancy S. Grasmick Maryland State Superintendent of Schools
The Maryland State Superintendent of Schools since 1991, Nancy S. Grasmick strongly believes every child is entitled to receive a high quality education through a public education system that is accountable for its performance. Grasmick is intent on a public education system where all schools effectively prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the next millennium.
Under Grasmick's leadership, Maryland has received national recognition for its emphasis on standards, assessment, and accountability. Significant programs have been developed to improve teaching and learning at all levels of the education continuum from pre-kindergarten to the transition to postsecondary education and employment.
Grasmick's comprehensive approach to education reform, whether fostering programs already in place or creating new ones, has resulted in vast improvements. Today Maryland has more rigorous instruction for students at all levels of schooling, increased pre-school programs for young children, enhanced educational services and support systems for students at risk, increased technology for schools, and community service as a graduation requirement.
Nancy Grasmick has encouraged, supported, and forged numerous partnerships with government, business, foundations, higher education institutions, and community entities demonstrating that innovative solutions stem from collaboration.
Sanford I. Weill Chairman and CEO, Citigroup, Inc.
Sandy Weill has spent the last twenty years committed to the vision of making lifelong learning accessible to all. From his work championing early childhood programs in the early 1980s, to his extensive involvement in arts education, to his newest endeavor with Cornell Medical School, Weill has brought his business experience and community spirit into the field of education.
In 1980, Weill recognized first-hand the need for well-prepared high school graduates as he struggled to find qualified workers. He approached the then Chancellor of the New York City Public Schools with his vision for a career preparation program. From this vision, the Academy of Finance was born.
From its inception, the Academy was designed as a program of industry-related courses, with paid internships for students, speakers, and site visits. In addition, industry training was provided to teachers in order to prepare them to instruct these unique courses. The program produced some unexpected results, however: rather than heading directly into the workforce, over 90 percent of that first Academy class went on to college.
The program's impressive results led to the creation of the National Academy Foundation (NAF). Today, some 30,000 public high school students in 40 states are being served by NAF.
Rod Paige Superintendent of Schools, Houston Independent School District
Tireless in his effort to create a School District that strengthens the social and economic foundation of Houston by assuring its youth the highest-quality elementary and secondary education. Paige has created and implemented strategic plans for increasing scholastic achievement, parental involvement, and community support.
Under Paige's leadership, Houston schools have had significant gains in student performance as evidenced by scores on state and national tests, while, at the same time, performance gaps between minority and non-minority students have narrowed considerably.
In addition to the improvements in instruction and student performance, Paige has successfully implemented a decentralized organizational structure that has allowed for the efficient delivery of services and goods to the schools.
Rod Paige is well regarded for overseeing a large urban school district in which achievement is primary, performance is high, and educators accept responsibility for student learning.
