Innovative Schools

INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS WELCOMES NEW BOARD PRESIDENT AND ADVISORY BOARD TO SUPPORT EXPANSION; BROADEN PERSPECTIVE ON NATIONAL EDUCATION REFORM

 Wilmington, Delaware, August 31, 2010   Innovative Schools - a local, non-profit public school support center - is proud to welcome Matthew Swanson as the new president of its Board of Directors and to announce the addition of a seven-member Advisory Board of Directors.  The new Board President and members of the Advisory Board will provide focused input and informed guidance to Innovative Schools as the organization undergoes an expansion into three new divisions that will support Race to the Top initiatives in Delaware – Innovative School Models, Innovative Staffing, and Innovative School Solutions.  The organization’s goal is to redesign public schools into 21^stCentury learning institutions through the replication of modern school models.

“This is an exciting time for education in our State,” stated Debbie Doordan, Executive Director of Innovative Schools.  “Delaware’s receipt of the Race to the Top grant has generated a lot of positive momentum, and Innovative Schools is proud and eager to join other educators in the excitement of this unprecedented opportunity.  Innovative Schools’ success and ability to fulfill our mission has always been a direct result of our Board of Directors’ effective volunteer leadership.  In line with our new strategic plan to expand the organization and better support all Delaware public schools, Innovative Schools is fortunate to be able to expand this critical base of support.”

Matthew Swanson takes over the role of Board Chair from Paul Herdman, President and CEO of the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, an organization that has played a pivotal role in implementing Vision 2015 and other education reform initiatives in this State.  Dr. Herdman served Innovative Schools as Board Chair for seven years, and will remain on the Board.  Other Board members are Martha Manning, Peter Morrow, Craig Schroeder and Karl Wagner.

Matthew Swanson is a local small business owner with a passion for education.  His entrepreneurial skills will be a valuable asset to Innovative Schools as the organization begins to restructure. In addition to overseeing the expansion of Innovative Schools, Matthew Swanson will also benefit from the input of the newly-formed Advisory Board.  

“All over the country, innovations in education are improving the quality of public schools for all students.  Many of these strategies are a good fit for Delaware’s schools.  The Advisory Board will provide Innovative Schools with perspective on how these programs are working around the country and how they may best fit here,” stated Matthew Swanson, Board Chair.

Schools and districts will need to take charge of their future, and Innovative Schools offers support and services as a local intermediary for nationally based programs.   

“In line with local and national efforts to improve the quality of public schools, Innovative Schools will support the redesign of Delaware’s schools into 21^stCentury learning institutions,” stated Debbie Doordan.  “We look to serve as a partner with schools and districts, and feel confident that our plan provides a holistic approach to total school re-design, incorporates input from all critical stakeholders, and will allow schools to achieve better results for students and families.”

Supported by the Board of Directors and Advisory Board, Innovative Schools has the capacity to provide a fundamental transformation of education that is focused on students and academic success.  The organization will now offer support to public schools in three critical areas: 

• Innovative School Models – Creating the next generation of schools
• Innovative Staffing – Generating new teacher and school leader talent
• Innovative School Solutions – Streamlining administrative functions to direct more dollars to the classroom

To see a full list of Innovative Schools Board and Advisory Board members, click here.