Interactive Town Hall with SCWCC
Topic: Local School Districts – how did school go this year, and what can we expect next year?
Our Speakers:
Dr. Michael Thomas
Superintendent of Colorado Springs School District 11
Dr. Thomas comes from Minneapolis’ Osseo Area Schools where he was the district coordinator for equity and integration and was both an elementary and secondary principal. He began his career as a social worker at the elementary level and complete his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas in 2018. Thomas has extensive experience at all levels of the K-12 spectrum.
Allison Cortez
Chief Communication Officer of Academy School District 2
Allison’s professional background is diverse. She spent the first 10 years helping corporations like Target and Sheetz develop strategic communication efforts and the past 13 years working in education. She served as the director of marketing at UCCS, the executive director of marketing and communication at PPCC and now serves as the chief communication officer at Academy District 20
Dr. Wendy Birhanzel
Superintendent of Harrison School District 2
Dr. Birhanzel has served for 20 years in public education. She earned her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership in Urban School Settings from the University of Southern California and has been an educator in California and Colorado. Dr. Birhanzel was awarded the Mayor’s Young Leader Award from the city and the Young Alumni Achievement Award from her university. Her son is a graduate of Sierra High School.
