What: Announcement of the Austin District-Charter Collaboration Compact

Who: Program Speakers include:

Steven Epstein, Chief Academic Officer, KIPP Austin Public SchoolsJohn Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Educate TexasVicki Phillips, Director of U.S. Education, Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationDr. Meria Carstarphen, Superintendent, Austin ISDDavid Dunn, Executive Director, Texas Charter Schools AssociationClarke Heidrick, Chair, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

When: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 3:00 p.m.

Where: KIPP Austin Public Schools, 8509 FM 969, Cafeteria

Background:

In an effort to better provide high-quality instruction and academic opportunities for all Austin-area students, Austin Independent School District and charter schools have come together to form the Austin District-Charter Collaboration Compact. The Austin Compact is comprised of the following area public school leaders: Austin Independent School District, Eden Park Academy, Harmony Public Schools, IDEA Public Schools, KIPP Austin Public Schools, NYOS Charter School, Responsive Education Solutions, and UT Elementary School. Additionally, education nonprofits Educate Texas and the Texas Charter Schools Association are members. This collaboration represents an unprecedented public commitment on the part of Austin ISD and charter operators to work together in a spirit of innovation and stewardship to ensure that all students in Austin graduate from high school prepared to succeed in college, career and life.

For more information, please contact Austin ISD's Department of Public Relations and Multicultural Outreach at 414-2414 or KIPP Austin's Director of External Affairs, Evelyn Nazro at 638-2552 or enazro@kippaustin.org