White House To Recognize Fulton Schools Employee as 'Champion of Change'

Staff Report

On Monday, Dr. Gonzalo La Cava of the Fulton County School System will be honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change.”

The distinction recognizes individuals who are doing extraordinary work to educate the next generation of Americans. As a Champion of Change, Dr. La Cava has distinguished himself by devoting his time and energy to creating opportunities for young people to succeed, particularly in lower-income communities.

As a part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the recognition event will showcase Dr. La Cava and other leaders who have made significant contributions to Latino communities. The ceremony will be live-streamed at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 22 on the White House website at www.whitehouse.gov/live.

Dr. La Cava serves as the area superintendent for Fulton County Schools’ Central Learning Community, a grouping of 23 schools with 18,000 students located north and south of Atlanta in the cities of East Point, Hapeville and Sandy Springs. He works with each school’s leadership to achieve unprecedented academic results for all students as well as to guide its leaders in day-to-day operations and management. Prior to this role, he served Fulton County Schools as its assistant superintendent of Student Support Services and its executive director of Services for Exceptional Children.

“This is a huge honor because it proves that each of us can effect positive change in a child’s life. We can all be a Champion of Change,” said Dr. La Cava. “I believe that all children can learn at high levels, regardless of their backgrounds, if there are caring educators who believe in their potential and are willing to fight for them and push for their success.”

Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa added Dr. La Cava ”is focused on the right things and doing whatever it takes to help our students.”

“He has a strong track record for improving achievement for all students, but what impresses me is his ability to change outcomes for impoverished and minority students,” he added. “This recognition is not only an honor for him, but also for Fulton County Schools.”

Before coming to Fulton County, Dr. La Cava was a school leader in Orange County, Florida, Public Schools, one of the nation’s largest school systems, as principal of two large comprehensive Title I elementary and middle schools. His recognition as a Champion of Change is in part due to his leadership in turning around those schools by increasing academic achievement and closing the achievement gap of Latino students in the areas of reading, math and writing.

Scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m., Monday’s ceremony will feature remarks from Jim Shelton, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education; Roberto Rodriguez, deputy assistant to the President for Education; and Alejandra Ceja, executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. To learn more, visit the Champion of Change website.

(Photo credit: Fulton County Schools)