Message from the President

Advocacy for public schools and public school students is my life’s career passion.

In Indiana, the political attacks on public education through school privatization demanded a political response.  In 2012, recognizing this need for advocacy, I decided to enter the political arena to run for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.  An educator with extensive K – 12 experience, I knew it was time to stand up for public schools, students, educators and communities, and put my name on the ballot.  The 2012 election was not about any one person; it was about a vision for a high-quality, equity-driven, student-centered public education system.  Winning the election demonstrated a strong public awareness of and support for public schools and ensured that education policy would remain a topic of conversation for the next four years.

During my tenure, I focused my advocacy work on developing and implementing a unique outreach system of support to schools to advance educational outcomes for our students.  Having experience in analyzing systems of support and developing strategies to improve those systems, my outreach program quickly became a nationally recognized school improvement system – improving outcomes at more than 40% of low-performing schools in the first year alone.  Providing increased support for schools, families and communities became an essential element of service.

My work at the state level increased my resolve to continue to work with public schools, so in early 2017 I formed Advancing Public Schools, LLC.   Our consulting firm specializes in unique and efficient system analysis in the area of literacy.  Our team of experts will quickly identify gaps and help develop sustainable plans of action.

Advancing Public Schools looks forward to partnering with your school district. Please contact us to learn more about our services.

-- Glenda Ritz, President and CEO Advancing Public Schools, LLC