Kennedy's Name Adds Prestige to NYC Schools
by Christopher Gearon
The appointment of Caroline Kennedy to head New York City Schools' Office of Strategic Partnerships was a watershed event for public school fundraising.
Few celebrities accept full-time positions as fundraisers in K through 12 education systems. While the rich and famous are often recruited for literacy campaigns, they typically serve as spokespersons or as the main attraction at individual fundraising events. Mike Griffith, a policy analyst for the Education Commission of the States, said "If the fund raising campaign is successful, you'll see other large districts doing this."
Kennedy's goal: strengthen partnerships between businesses, foundations, the arts community, volunteer programs, and the 1.1 million student system. "There are so many dedicated, talented, and creative teachers, principals, and superintendents working their hearts out to educate young New Yorkers. I welcome the chance to support their efforts and to help give them the additional resources they need."
