Maryland Superintendent Elizabeth Molina Morgan Named 2010 National Superintendent of the Year

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elizabeth Molina Morgan, superintendent of Washington County, Md., Public Schools, has been named the 2010 National Superintendent of the Year. Morgan was honored today at the American Association of School Administrators’ National Conference on Education in Phoenix. Now in its 23rd year, the National Superintendent of the Year program, co-sponsored by AASA, ARAMARK Education and the ING Foundation, celebrates the contributions and leadership of public school superintendents.

“Betty Morgan is an outstanding superintendent whose leadership has brought positive change to the Washington County Schools,” said AASA Executive Director Dan Domenech. “Morgan’s unwavering commitment to advancing student success, her dedication to providing quality educational opportunities for all students, and her ability to bring people together make her a model for school leaders nationwide. AASA is proud to bestow this national honor on Morgan.”

"On behalf of ARAMARK, we would like to congratulate Betty Morgan for being recognized as the National Superintendent of the Year and for her continued leadership and commitment to the students of Washington County Schools," said Dennis Maple, president, ARAMARK Education. "ARAMARK is honored to be a part of this special program that rewards and recognizes education leaders who excel in helping students flourish. Also, we salute this year's state winners who strive to provide every child with an ideal learning experience and ultimately the greatest chance for success."

“Congratulations to Betty Morgan for her outstanding leadership and contributions to improving public education,” said Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation. “ING is proud to sponsor this program as part of our commitment to education and to honor educators like Morgan and all superintendents who are dedicated to advancing student achievement, ensuring their students receive a quality education for a brighter future.”

Morgan was recognized for increasing the graduation rate and reducing the dropout rate in Washington County through the development of a student-focused strategic plan. Under her direction, test scores have steadily increased each year, particularly for minority and poverty groups, and the school system has achieved Adequate Yearly Progress in all schools and in all areas. In recent years, the district started one of the state’s few International Baccalaureate programs and spread magnet programs to all school levels.

A national blue-ribbon panel selected Morgan from four finalists. The other national finalists were: Joyce C. Levey of Tuscaloosa City, Ala., Schools; Walt Rulffes of Clark County, Nev., School District; and Cynthia Stevenson of Jefferson County, Colo., Public Schools.

The finalists were measured against the following criteria: leadership for learning, communication, professionalism and community involvement.

More: http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=11102.

About AASA

AASA (www.aasa.org), founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children.

About ARAMARK

ARAMARK Education provides a complete range of food, facility, uniform and other support services to more than 500 K-12 school districts in the U.S. It offers public and private education institutions a family of dining and facility services including: on-site and off-site breakfast and lunch meal programs, after-school snacks, catering, nutrition education, retail design and facilities management services, including maintenance, custodial, grounds, energy management, construction management, and building commissioning. More information on ARAMARK Education’s K-12 food service programs: www.aramarkschools.com

About ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance, and retirement services to over 85 million residential, corporate and institutional clients in more than 40 countries. With a diverse workforce of about 115,000 people, ING is dedicated to setting the standard in helping our clients manage their financial future.

In the U.S., the ING (NYSE:ING) family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, and financial planning. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves nearly 30 million customers across the nation.

ING’s diversity management philosophy and commitment to workplace diversity, diversity marketing, corporate citizenship and supplier diversity fosters an inclusive environment for employees that supports a distinctive product and service experience for the financial services consumer. More information: www.ing.com/us

About the ING Foundation

The ING Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in communities where ING operates and its employees and customers live. Through charitable giving and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on programs in the areas of financial literacy, children’s education, diversity, and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit www.ing-usafoundation.com.

AASA
Amy Vogt
703-774-6953 (Feb. 11-13 only)
703-875-0723
[email protected]
or
ARAMARK Education
David Gargione
215-238-3559
[email protected]
or
ING
Audria Belton Benn
770-980-5715
[email protected]

Source: American Association of School Administrators