Dec. 24, 2013 — Longtime Executive Director Marilyn J. Segal has retired. “Marilyn has been Executive Director for more than 20 years, helping CPS transform from a coalition that was a committee of the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action (JALSA), to an independent organization in 2008,” said CPS President Ann O’Halloran. Prior to becoming CPS executive director, Segal was the legislative agent for the coalition. CPS came together in 1982 to oppose a Massachusetts ballot question seeking to divert public tax dollars to private and religious schools.
From left, Ann O’Halloran, Alain Jehlen, Lisa Guisbond, Marilyn Segal and Barbara Fields.
During her tenure, CPS increased its membership and outreach so that thousands of people get The Backpack newsletter online and hundreds have attended CPS conferences. In June, CPS released a ground-breaking report marking the 20th anniversary of the 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act, with analysis of its accomplishments and unmet goals.
Nationally known education voices Jonathan Kozol, Diane Ravitch and Pedro Noguera have headlined CPS events. CPS has informed lawmakers and other elected officials about the educational needs of all children in the Commonwealth.
In her resignation letter to the board of directors, Segal wrote, “I thank all of you for your commitment and dedication to the mission of CPS. It made my job meaningful and rewarding to work with capable and dedicated advocates. Watching CPS expand and reach out gives me encouragement for the future.”
“Marilyn has dedicated her career to fighting for the best interests of public school children and families throughout the Commonwealth. We look forward to her continued involvement as a member of the CPS advisory board,” said O’Halloran.
CPS will continue fighting school privatization and high-stakes testing and encouraging authentic student assessment, parent and student empowerment and adequate funding. The incoming CPS executive director is noted public school advocate, education writer and researcher Lisa Guisbond, a longtime CPS board member and officer. Education advocate and retired teacher Ann O’Halloran was re-elected CPS president on Dec. 12.
CPS’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect public schools and public education. CPS opposes any political or social initiative that seeks to infringe on or endanger such a vital resource as our public schools. For more information on the CPS mission and goals, see www.
-30-
