Communities In Schools (CIS), a leading provider of K-12 school-based integrated student supports, hosted its 2024 Leadership Town Hall in Dallas from September 18 to September 20. The event aimed to connect the CIS network with education thought leaders, policymakers, and school practitioners to discuss solutions for both academic and nonacademic student needs.
The conference began with an activation in downtown Dallas celebrating Attendance Awareness Month and the launch of CIS's new national public service campaign, "Being Present Matters." This campaign features CIS students and site coordinators addressing chronic absenteeism. The display brought the campaign back to Dallas, where the PSA was filmed earlier this summer. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the stars of the campaign and hear remarks from CIS President and CEO Rey Saldaña, CIS of the Dallas Region Board Chair Luisa M. del Rosal, and Marco Mercado, a featured site coordinator in the campaign ad.
During the three-day event, attendees experienced mainstage moments including student performances, keynote speeches, panels, and appearances by local and national thought leaders such as Dr. Angelica Ramsey (Superintendent of Fort Worth ISD), Mike Morath (Commissioner of Education at Texas Education Agency), Dr. Michael F. Rice (State Superintendent Michigan Department of Education), Michele L. Blatt (State Superintendent of Schools in West Virginia), Tasha Moore (CEO of Communities In Schools of North Texas), Adam Powell (President & CEO of Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region), and Lindsey Garner (President & CEO of Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County).
The Leadership Town Hall concluded with the All In for Students Awards ceremony, recognizing individuals and partners making significant impacts in schools and communities nationwide. The ceremony included keynote remarks from Dr. Amy Ellis (Superintendent of Bridgeport ISD) and appearances by members of the CIS National Board of Directors and CIS Vice Chair and Founder Bill Milliken.
CIS Alumni Rosaura Martinez and Jerron Wheeler hosted this year's conference, which welcomed over 400 attendees representing 3,460 schools and community sites served by Communities In Schools across the country.
About Communities In Schools:
Communities In Schools is a national organization ensuring every student has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working inside more than 3,000 schools nationwide, CIS connects students to caring adults and community resources that help them overcome barriers to a brighter future.
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