Dallas Superintendent Testifies on Capitol Hill
July 23, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
James Minichello
703-875-0723
703-774-6953 (cell)
jminichello@aasa.org
Hearing Focuses on Reopening Schools
Alexandria, Va. – July 23, 2020 – Michael Hinojosa, superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District and a member of the AASA COVID-19 Recovery Task Force, is testifying (virtually) today before the U.S. House Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee.
The hearing, entitled, “Underfunded & Unprepared: Examining How to Overcome Obstacles to Safely Reopen Public Schools” is being held at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
“The decision to send our students back to school in my district and the rest of the country is a very difficult decision,” said Hinojosa. “The bottom line is safety—for superintendents, principals, teachers, staff and, most of all, our young learners. It is an honor to represent the superintendent voice in this important hearing.”
Others testifying include Leslie Boggs, president, National Parent Teacher Association; Sean O’Leary, vice chair, Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics; and Penny Schwinn, commissioner of education, Tennessee Department of Education.
Earlier this month, AASA joined the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association in a statement on the issue of a safe return of students, teachers and staff to schools. “We recognize that children learn best when physically present in the classroom … Our nation’s response to COVID-19 has laid bare inequities and consequences for children that must be addressed. This pandemic is especially hard on families who rely on school lunches, have children with disabilities, or lack access to the Internet or health care,” the statement affirmed.
For specific questions, please contact Noelle Ellerson Ng, AASA associate executive director, advocacy and governance, at nellerson@aasa.org.
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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, 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 equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.
