Communities In Schools

Board Chairman and Student Speak at Board Dinner

In May, Communities In Schools Board Chairman Elaine Wynn introduced Talitha Halley at the board of directors dinner. Talitha, a student served by Communities In Schools of Houston after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina, spoke of what Communities In Schools has done for her, as well as her current experience serving as a Congressional Page and her desire to give back to the community.

U.S. Secretary of Education Speaks at National Board Dinner

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan spoke before an audience of Communities In Schools National Board Members, National Staff, and educators to give an address on the state of the public education system. He also credited the work being done by Communities In Schools nationwide. In his remarks Duncan stated, “I did not have a better partner, I did not have a better collaborator, I did not have a better partner that brought in other resources way beyond their own than CIS and so if the work going on around the country is half as good as what Jane and her team did in Chicago, you guys are setting the kind of tone that we desperately need.”

President Dan Cardinali Testifies On Capitol Hill

Communities In Schools President Dan Cardinali testified on Capitol Hill Thursday April 22, 2010 before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to urge inclusion of integrated student services in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

“Our 33 years of experience tells us that achieving true education reform requires the inclusion of integrated student services in all reform strategies,” said Cardinali. “By bringing integrated student services to more schools we can ensure that the American Dream remains within reach for all of America’s young people, including our nation’s poorest.”

Cardinali urged the Senators to include the Keeping Parents and Communities Engaged or Keeping PACE Act within the reauthorized ESEA. The Keeping PACE Act has been co-sponsored by a group of 25 legislators and endorsed by 40 leading education, health and community organizations.

Video at http://help.senate.gov/hearings/hearing/?id=f3ea2006-5056-9502-5dbd-7fbf488d5ec3