Mississippi Superintendent Receives 19th Annual Save The Music Foundation Award for Distinguished Support Of Music Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award Presented at AASA’s National Conference on Education

San Diego, Calif. – February 17, 2024 – Amy J. Carter, superintendent of Meridian Public School District (MPSD) in Meridian, Miss., is the 2024 recipient of the Save The Music Foundation’s (STM) 19th annual Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education.

This prestigious award was presented at the National Conference on Education in San Diego, Calif., hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

This award recognizes one superintendent or school district CEO who has exhibited outstanding commitment to restoring music education in his or her school district. Carter was chosen for her unwavering devotion to providing students across the community of Meridian with a well-rounded education that includes music.

“The arts were instrumental in making me the person I am today and through the Save the Music Foundation Grants, we are able to provide those same opportunities for the students in Meridian.”

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Carter, superintendent, MPSD. “The arts were instrumental in making me the person I am today and through the Save the Music Foundation Grants, we are able to provide those same opportunities for the students in Meridian. I was one of those students who may not have gotten the opportunity to attend college without the doors the arts opened for me. My goal is to provide the same opportunities and beyond for our students in Meridian. Music provides our students with an arena to showcase and develop their many talents.”

During the past two years, STM has supported MPSD’s investment in K-12 comprehensive music education across the district with both elementary music and middle school band grant programs, music teacher professional development, and ongoing program support, totaling more than $200,000. This project is fueled by a strategic partnership with Carter, who has pledged to ensure every student in the district has equitable access to music education, taught by qualified teachers as part of the regular school day.

“Superintendent Carter’s leadership is a model for music education investment for students,” said Jaclyn Rudderow, senior director of school programs, Save The Music Foundation. “Her leadership and vision have brought rich and well-rounded music education access to all Meridian students. Save The Music is thrilled to be honoring her on a national level.”

Through the Save The Music Foundation grants, Carver Elementary, Crestwood Elementary, Parkview Elementary, West Hills Elementary, and both Magnolia Middle School and Northwest Middle School have been able to expand their music programs. Students now have access to new instruments without the worry of financial burden being a barrier to them participating in the arts. The band at Northwest alone has more than 200 members.

Past recipients of this award include: Christopher Downing, superintendent, Anaheim Elementary School District (Calif.); Elizabeth Lolli, superintendent, Dayton Public Schools (Ohio); Leon Rogers, superintendent, Newark Public Schools (N.J.); Keely Roberts, superintendent, Zion Elementary District 6 (Ill.); Francisco Escobedo, superintendent, Chula Vista Elementary School District (Calif.); Nancy Sarra, superintendent, Consolidated School District of New Britain (Conn.); Kevin George, superintendent, St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools (La.); Russell Freitas, superintendent, Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified School District (Calif.); Kristi Wilson, superintendent, Buckeye Elementary School District (Ariz.); Reginald Mayo, retired superintendent, New Haven Public Schools (Conn.); Rita Bishop, superintendent, Roanoke City Public Schools (Va.); Kathy L. Kelly, superintendent, Columbia Heights Public Schools (Minn.); Duncan N. P. “Pat” Pritchett Jr., former superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools (Ind.); John Lange, former superintendent, Adams County School District 14 (Colo.); Carol Johnson, former superintendent, Memphis City Schools (Tenn.) and current superintendent, Boston Public Schools (Mass.); Richard Kaplan, superintendent, New Brunswick Public Schools (N.J.); Eugene White, retired superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools (Ind.); and James A. Williams, former superintendent, Buffalo Public Schools (N.Y.).

Regarded as the most comprehensive professional learning and networking event for school superintendents and administrators, AASA’s National Conference on Education addresses the most critical issues affecting public education today, including live well, lead well—health and well-being and self-care; redesigning learning; school environment and culture; school safety, finances and operations; and transformational learning and leading.

For more information about the conference, access AASA's Conference Daily Online.

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About Save The Music Foundation:
Save The Music Foundation is a 501(c)(3) music education nonprofit that helps students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. For 25 years, Save The Music (STM) has addressed systemic inequities in music education by investing in culturally rich communities across the US. Since its inception, STM has donated over $75M worth of instruments and technology to over 2,700 schools – impacting millions of students' lives. And we’re just getting started! Learn more at savethemusic.org

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.

About Meridian Public School District
The Meridian Public School District prepares all students in a parent and community partnership to be literate, self-directed learners with the confidence and character to compete in a complex and ever-changing world. MPSD serves 4,900 students on 12 school campuses. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.mpsdk12.net.

Contact:
Ssve The Music Foundation – Zack Flores, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
(210) 279-6334, zack.flores@savethemusic.org

AASA, The School Superintendent Association - James Minichello
Director, Communications & Public Relations (703) 774-6953,  jminichello@aasa.org

Meridian Public School District – Matt Davis, PR Director, Meridian Public School District,  PHONE: (601) 482-0423, mtdavis@mpsdk12.net