Achievement School District taps Aspire to transform failing school in 2013
Aspire Public Schools (Aspire) is proud to announce its appointment as the new operator for Hanley Elementary School as assigned through the Achievement School District (ASD) matching process. This ends an 8-month planning period where Aspire met with community leaders, parents and educators throughout Memphis to understand school needs and priorities.
We are excited about working with families and students in the Orange Mound school community,” said Allison Leslie, Executive Director, Aspire Public Schools – Memphis Region. “Aspire Public Schools provides students with a proven rigorous education, helping to prepare students for success in their future endeavors—in higher education, work, and citizenship. We believe that through personalized learning experiences, students will master basic skills, develop productive life skills, and acquire the thinking skills needed for success in the real world. With our College for Certain mission in mind, our goal is to prepare students at Hanley to earn a college degree.”
Aspire was selected by ASD to join its efforts to transform the lowest performing public schools in Memphis. In May 2012, Aspire began its Memphis community planning in preparation for the fall of 2013 school year. During this time, Aspire leadership has been meeting with community leaders, parents and teachers regarding its presence in Memphis and its plans on how to transform the failing schools that it is assigned.
“With this announcement, our focus is on continuing to meet with parents and the community leaders and hiring the best teachers and school staff for our students,” said Leslie.
During the transformation process, Aspire will fill 50 new faculty and staff positions. All current school employees are encouraged to apply on the Aspire website (www.aspirepublicschools.org) and will be guaranteed an opportunity to interview for their current position. Aspire has also been conducting recruiting events in and around the Memphis area for the past 3 months.
“We encourage local educators to contact us about opportunities, including our Teacher Residency Program, open to educators and college seniors to apply. Aspire is pleased to be working with local colleges such as Lemoyne-Owen College, University of Memphis, Fisk, Victory University, University of Arkansas – Little Rock, Christian Brothers, Rhodes, and University of Mississippi – Oxford to promote opportunities.” said Leslie.
About Aspire Public Schools
Aspire Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that currently operates 34 high-performing, open-enrollment free public charter schools serving 12,500 students in underserved communities across California and will open schools in Memphis, TN in fall, 2013. Aspire is one of the highest-performing public school systems in California, delivering a rigorous ‘College for Certain’ education to students in grades K-12. Visit Aspire Public Schools at www.aspirepublicschools.org or call (901) 205-9443.