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Five standout superintendents are in the spotlight, having been selected as finalists for the nation’s top award in urban education leadership, the Green-Garner Award. But only one will be named Urban Educator of the Year.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Council of the Great City Schools’ 68th Annual Fall Conference, Oct. 16-20 in Dallas. The Green-Garner Award recognizes outstanding contributions in urban education leadership and alternates each year between honoring an urban school superintendent and a school board member.
Sponsored by the Council and Scholastic, the global leader in children’s publishing and education, the award is given each year in memory of Richard R. Green, the first African-American chancellor of the New York City school system, and businessman Edward Garner, a former Denver school board member. The Green-Garner Award celebrates those who embody extraordinary dedication to the success of urban schools.
The 2024 finalists are superintendents:
- Romules Durant, CEO/Superintendent, Toledo Public Schools
- Errick L. Greene, Superintendent, Jackson Public Schools
- Roger León, Superintendent, Newark Public Schools
- Alex Marrero, Superintendent, Denver Public Schools
- Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO, Baltimore City Public Schools
The finalists were chosen for their efforts to improve student outcomes, narrow achievement gaps, demonstrate leadership and management skills, and boost public confidence in their districts by a panel of current and former superintendents and school board members.
The winner of the award receives a $10,000 college scholarship to present to a graduating senior from their school district. Last year’s winner was Michael O’Neill, school board member for Boston Public Schools.
