The International Center for Leadership in Education has named CCSD an Innovative District for 2018 one of only eleven school districts in the nation to be recognized.

Selection is based on criteria including substantive, data-validated, student academic growth; a strong learning-centered culture; and dedication to transforming instruction to best serve students needs today and in the future.

Dr. Hightower said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Nicole H. Holmes and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Keith Bryant have played important leadership roles in CCSDs success.

Its a challenge to take a high-performing school district and identify how to further improve teaching and learning, and its an ever-greater challenge to get buy-in from your organization that change is needed, he said. Theyve succeeded at both.