MEDIA ADVISORY October 10, 2011

Contact: Jane Austin, Communications Director 612.455.1564 or jaustin@achievempls.org

WHAT:

AchieveMpls 9th Annual Education Partners Luncheon

High-Quality Public Schools for All: The Civil Rights Challenge of our Time Keynote speech by Dr. Carol Johnson, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools and former Superintendent of Minneapolis and St. Louis Park Public Schools Presented by Best Buy, this annual event gathers over 500 business, education, and other civic leaders who share a strong commitment to public education and success for all students

WHO:

Keynote speaker Dr. Carol R. JohnsonSuperintendent of Boston Public Schools and former Superintendent of Minneapolis and St. Louis Park Public Schoolshas built a national reputation for her success in closing the achievement gap. In 2010 McKinsey & Company recognized the Boston Public Schools as one of the mostimproved districts in the world. Dr. Johnson is past chair of the Council of the Great City Schools and a member of the Harvard Urban Superintendents Advisory Board and the Boston Plan for Excellence. She has also been honored as Minnesota Superintendent of the Year and Superintendent of the Year by the National Alliance of Black School Educators. Also appearing at the event is R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis; Bernadeia Johnson, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Public Schools; Susan Bass Roberts, Director of Community Relations for Best Buy; and student musicians from Roosevelt and Washburn High Schools.

WHEN: WHERE: WHY:

Thursday, November 10, 2011 11:00 am 1:00 pm. Program starts promptly at 11:30 am. The Depot, 225 South 3rd Avenue, Minneapolis High-quality public education is one of the most challenging issues of our day, with passionate debates raging over public funding, teacher quality, high-stakes testing, access to equitable opportunities, and the academic achievement gap. New reports that Minneapolis has the countrys worst employment gap between African American and white residents lend even greater urgency to this issue. Educational disparities between white students and students of color and low income students have a devastating impact on the lives and futures of our young people and also harm the economic, social, and cultural vitality of our cities and our country. Keynote speaker Dr. Carol Johnson will explore the history and power of high-quality public education as a fundamental civil right and offer innovative new approaches for greater success in urban education. $100 individuals, $1,500 sponsored table for 10 at AchieveMplsLuncheon.EventBrite.com or 612.455.1530

TICKETS:

About AchieveMpls As the strategic nonprofit partner of the Minneapolis Public Schools, AchieveMpls mobilizes a wide web of community support and resources to ensure academic achievement, equitable opportunities, and career and college readiness for all students. Preparing our young people to succeed in school, work, and life is the best investment we can make in our citys health and vitality. Learn more at www.achievempls.org. Education Partners Luncheon Sponsors Presenting Sponsor: Best Buy Gold Sponsor: Target Silver Sponsors: The Morning Foundation, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, Twin Cities Business Magazine Bronze Sponsor: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Other Generous Sponsors: Association of Metropolitan School Districts, Edward R. Bazinet Foundation, Bremer Bank, Cargill, Children's Hospitals and Clinics, Compass Marketing, Comcast, Conley Family Foundation, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Edina Public Schools, ELCA Board of Pensions, General Mills, Heidrick & Struggles, Hopkins School District, Intermediate District 287, LarsonAllen LLP, Medtronic, The Minneapolis Foundation, Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), MPS Arts for Academic Achievement, Mortenson Construction, NorthMarq, Osseo Area Schools, Patterson Companies, Inc., State Farm, Success IT, U.S. Bank, Walker Art Center, The Wallin Foundation

AchieveMpls Education Partners Luncheon Calendar Entry

High-Quality Public Schools for All: The Civil Rights Challenge of Our Time is the theme of the 9 th annual AchieveMpls Education Partners Luncheon, which will be held November 10 from 11am - 1pm at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis. Keynote speaker is Dr. Carol Johnson, former superintendent of schools in Minneapolis and St. Louis Park, and current superintendent of Boston Public Schools. Presented by Best Buy, over 600 education, business, and civic leaders will gather to celebrate their strong commitment to success for all students. Tickets are $100 individuals, $1,500 sponsored table for 10, and are available at AchieveMplsLuncheon.EventBrite.com or 612/455-1530.