Connect with us

Education

The 5 Best Run Large City School Districts In America

Running a large school system is one of the most complex and daunting challenges an organizational leader can undertake, but many US city school systems are proving they are up to the challenge. The following school districts are recognized among the best-run large city school districts in America for their ability to raise student achievement, for winning large awards and grants, and for per dollar performance in difficult economic times.
1) Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami, Florida
M-DCPS is the nation’s fourth largest public school system and the 2012 winner of the coveted Broad Prize for Urban Education. Alberto Carvalho has been the superintendent since 2008. Through a data driven approach to instructional reform, the district reduced its number of “F” state-graded schools from 13 to zero. He secured $700 million in Race to the Top funding and was able to get voter approval for a $1.2 billion dollar general obligation bond. Graduation rates are at an all-time high of 76%.

2) Charlotte-Mecklenberg Schools, Charlotte, North Carolina
Under the three year leadership of Dr. Heath E. Morrison, CMS has seen a 14 point increase in high school graduation rates, to a total of 70%, with rates increasing across all schools and student groups. The achievement gap is closing and enrollment in Advanced Placement scores is seeing significant increase. CMS won the Broad Prize for Urban Education in 2011 and Heath Morrison recently won the AASA National Superintendent of the Year.
3) Houston Independent School District, Houston, Texas
On the watch of Superintendent Terry B. Grier, HISD has seen its graduation rates increase to an all-time high of 78.5% and the amount of scholarships procured by high school seniors triple in amount to a total of $180 million dollars. The district’s Apollo 20 program aimed at turning around failing schools has received national recognition and the district was a 2012 Broad Prize finalist. Dr. Grier is a recipient of the American Association of School Administrators’ prestigious Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award for his support of women and minorities in education.
4) Denver Public Schools, Denver, CO
Although not yet a winner of the coveted Broad Prize, Denver Public Schools is catching the eye of education reformers and earning respect for its achievement gains and ability to bring together all stakeholders. Superintendent Tom Boasberg has posted record enrollment increases and cut the number of its lowest performing state rated schools by two-thirds during his three years running the schools. Denver’s performance-pay system (ProComp) is a national role model in reform circles. All eyes are also on DPS’s new LEAP system of teacher evaluation, funded by a $10 million dollar Gates grant and being held up as a model of teacher union-district administration collaboration in tough teacher evaluation reforms. The system requires teachers to be held accountable for student performance and to meet tough standards of frequent classroom observations.
5) Marin County Public Schools, California
Finally, Marin County earns a spot on the list for its fiscal conservancy. Though this district outside San Francisco is not quite as large as the others, it is ranked first in Forbes magazine’s “Best School Districts for the Buck” and that is something that can’t be ignored in a time of economic challenge. With per pupil spending of just over $6,000, the district manages to graduate 96% of its students and earn some of the highest college entrance exam scores in the country. Something can be learned from Marin County in terms of how to get the most student achievement bang for your buck.

Featured images:
  •  License: Creative Commons image source

Hilde Brandt is a school district administrator and guest author at Best Education Degrees, where she contributed to the guide to the Top Online Masters in Education Programs.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

man on construction job man on construction job
Business1 month ago

What to Consider Before Starting a Construction Project

If you are starting your own construction project, there are a few things that you will need to consider. It...

high rise building high rise building
Business2 months ago

The Secret Details That Make Luxury Buildings Stand Out

When it comes to property, luxury isn’t all about the size of the building. Location doesn’t even qualify a property...

yellow skip yellow skip
Home Improvement2 months ago

Essential Factors To Consider When Hiring Skip Services In Cranbourne

Have you ever started a home renovation only to realise your regular bins can’t handle the waste? Or worried about...

Business3 months ago

Boring Businesses That Won’t Be Going Out Of Fashion Anytime Soon

As the AI wave sweeps the world, more and more people are worried about the future of the industry in...

Health3 months ago

4 Skin Treatments You Should Invest In Now

Beauty has to be one of the biggest markets at the moment and has been growing and growing ever since...

nursery nursery
Home Improvement4 months ago

Creating a Calm and Inspiring Nursery: A Guide to Nurturing Spaces

Designing a nursery that supports your baby’s growth and development is more important than simply choosing adorable bedding and furnishings....

Home Improvement4 months ago

Demystifying the Installation Process of a Rheem Hot Water System: A Complete Guide

  Have you ever thought about what magical process makes your icy cold water instantly hot? with the mere flick...

Business4 months ago

From Startup to Global Force: The Meteoric Rise of Digigiri Enterprises

In the bustling digital landscape of 2021, a new star was born: Digigiri Enterprises. Founded in December of that year,...

General5 months ago

Invigorating Your Wheels: Mastering The Art Of Car Painting Techniques

Have you ever marvelled at the glossy, vibrant colours glossing over cars as they zip past you on a sunny...

Home Improvement5 months ago

The Ultimate Guide: Preparing For Packers And Movers

Moving homes is a significant event in everyone’s life that can evoke a myriad of emotions. Excitement, optimism, sadness, and...

Science5 months ago

The Impact Of Polycarbonate On Eco-Friendly Production: An Exploration Of Sustainability In Design

Have you ever wondered about the role of modern materials in shifting our society toward more sustainable and ecological ways...

Law6 months ago

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for Indefinite Leave to Remain

A migrant to the UK has the right to make a permanent move to the country without any immigration restrictions...

Home Improvement7 months ago

Mastering The Maintenance: Breaking Down The Basics Of Your Ducted Heating And Cooling System

Welcome, fellow home enthusiasts! Ever find yourself lost in the labyrinth of your ducted heating and cooling system? Have you...

Business8 months ago

The Invisible Hands: Unveiling How Food Distributors Influence the Quality of Our Foods

Ever found yourself wondering why the tomatoes in your salad taste particularly fresh or why your preferred brand of coffee...

Marketing8 months ago

Webflow CMS: A Comprehensive Guide

Webflow is a powerful tool that allows you to create and manage dynamic websites without needing to code. It’s a...

Categories

Archives

Trending