JPS Superintendent Announced as Finalist for Urban Educator of the Year Award

October 3, 2024 - The Council of the Great City Schools has announced Jackson Public School Superintendent, Dr. Errick L. Greene, one of five finalists for the prestigious Green-Garner Award, recognized as the nation’s highest honor in urban education.

 

The 35th Annual Award, presented by the Council of the Great City Schools, honors the legacies of Richard R. Green, the first African American chancellor of New York City schools, and Edward Garner, former Denver Public Schools board president.

 

Dr. Greene, who has served as superintendent since 2018, expressed his excitement: “I'm truly honored to be recognized for the work that we're doing here in Jackson. This continues to be the most rewarding experience of my career, and I'm so pleased to be serving alongside such talented and committed educators and on behalf of such amazing scholars.”

 

“The superintendents who are this year’s finalists have helped spearhead the comeback and progress of the nation’s urban schools,” said Council Executive Director Ray Hart. 

 

Each candidate was evaluated on their efforts to improve student achievement, narrow achievement gaps, demonstrate governance skills, and increase public confidence in their respective school districts.

 

The five finalists for the 2024 Green-Garner Award are: 

Since taking the helm, Greene has led significant improvements, including raising Jackson Public Schools’ accountability score by two letter grades and securing increased private funding. Under his leadership, the district has also resolved multiple state violations and seen notable gains in student outcomes, such as a tripled algebra pass rate and a 14-point rise in graduation rates.

 

Board President Dr. Ed Sivak praised Greene’s impact: "From the first day he walked onto the job, Dr. Greene prioritized our people and our places, shepherding through the largest pay raise for teachers, cafeteria, and maintenance workers in the history of JPS, and overseeing over $100 million in facility improvements, including new science labs and libraries in every high school.”

 

Several prominent supporters of Jackson Public Schools have expressed their enthusiasm following the announcement, including Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and City of Jackson.

 

"Congratulations to Dr. Greene for being named a finalist for the prestigious Green-Garner Award," said Congressman Thompson. "This recognition is a testament to your leadership and commitment to fostering excellence in education. I am proud to see your efforts acknowledged on a national level, and I know you will continue to make a lasting impact on our community.”

 

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba praised Dr. Greene's leadership, stating, "Dr. Greene is a visionary whose work has profoundly transformed the future of Jackson's scholars. I am extremely proud of Jackson Public Schools and the City of Jackson for his nomination as a finalist for the Green-Garner Award."

 

Rhea Williams-Bishop, director of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Mississippi and New Orleans programs, added, "The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is incredibly proud of the remarkable achievements Jackson Public Schools has realized under Dr. Greene’s visionary leadership. As a deeply invested partner in JPS, we are thrilled to witness the district’s continued success and transformation."

 

The 2024 Urban Educator of the Year will be announced at the Green-Garner Award Banquet on Oct. 17 in Dallas, during the Council’s 68th Annual Fall Conference.

 

The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship to present to a graduating senior from their school system.