Grosso Statement on the Departure of Chancellor Henderson
Washington, D.C. - Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large), chairperson of the Committee on Education, issued the following statement upon the announcement that Chancellor Kaya Henderson will be leaving her post as head of DC Public Schools in October:
"Under Chancellor Henderson's leadership for the past five and a half years, DC Public Schools improved dramatically in overall academic achievement, high school graduation rates, student satisfaction, and enrollment. We have seen DCPS transform from a historically underperforming school district to one that is nationally recognized for its growth and innovation. Of course, this success is not the result of the work of one person alone - DCPS has a strong team of school leaders, teachers, and Central Office staff. However, success always starts with visionary leadership and an unwavering drive to prove what's possible. Chancellor Henderson has consistently embodied these qualities.
"I have had the privilege of working closely with Chancellor Henderson over the past three years with the Committee on Education and am very proud of the work we have been able to accomplish together with a focus on equity. I have always appreciated her willingness to be open with me and her fierce advocacy, both locally and nationally, on behalf of more than 49,000 young people enrolled in DC Public Schools. As she steps down from this role, I want to thank Chancellor Henderson for her nine years of tireless service to the District of Columbia and her work to ensure that educator excellence and student success are always synonymous with the words "DC Public Schools." I wish her the best in her future endeavors and I look forward to working with Mayor Bowser during the process of confirming the next leader of DCPS."
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