Saving Seattle Public Schools (Seattle, Washington)

When former US Army General John Stanford took the job as superintendent of Seattle Public Schools in 1995, school enrollment was dropping and test scores were below the national average. Bringing new vigor to the job, Stanford mobilized the community around higher standards for students. Working with the local teacher's union, he gave power back to teachers, and more flexibility over operations and budgets to individual schools.

"You've got to develop community around your schools." -- John Stanford

Stanford also convinced local businesses they had a stake in building a healthy education system in their community. With the support of teachers, principals and civic leaders district-wide, Seattle students are performing their best in years. Now Seattle schools have had to rise to a new challenge. Sadly, last Spring Stanford was diagnosed with leukemia, and passed away in November, 1998. Since then, the community has rallied around Stanford's vision to keep Seattle's education revolution on track.

More Resources:

• How John Stanford Made a Difference
• John Stanford's "13 Steps to Success"
• Afterschool Bonus! Will Durst's "13 Steps to Mediocrity"
• Seattle Times Tribute to John Stanford
• Pearl Jam Plays for Seattle Book Fund
• Alliance for Education: Business Involvement in Seattle Public Schools
• Overiew of Seattle's Teacher Contract
• Excerpts from Livelyhood's Interview with John Stanford
• Community Members Speak Out on Seattle Schools
• Statement by President Clinton on John Stanford
• U.S. Dept. of Education Awards Named for Stanford