Council of the Great City Schools

09/11/2026

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we pause to reflect on a day that changed our city forever.

We honor those we lost, the first responders who showed extraordinary courage, and the families who continue to mourn their loved ones each day.

We will always remember.

09/10/2026

Congratulations to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for achieving across-the-board academic growth, marking a significant leap in performance for the 2025-26 school year.

The results were released Sept. 2 as part of North Carolina’s annual school accountability reporting and reflect continued progress across CMS schools and student groups.

Here are some of the highlights:
- The district achieved its highest graduation rate in district history at 87.9%, a 3.3 percentage point gain from the previous year.

- Third grade reading proficiency increased 11 percentage points, from 46.3% to 57.3%.

- Nearly 79% of CMS schools earned an A, B or C school performance grade, up approximately 8 percentage points from 2024-25 and 26 percentage points since 2021-22.

- The majority of CMS schools continued to demonstrate strong student growth, with 83.8% meeting or exceeding expected growth.

This week’s edition of CMS Inside Connection has: student achieveme...

09/10/2026

09/09/2026

Supporting English learners with disabilities requires an inclusive, coordinated approach that recognizes multilingualism as an asset. The Council of the Great City Schools, in partnership with WestEd, is pleased to release a new publication: “Supporting Dually Identified Students in Dual Language Immersion.”

This research-informed playbook helps district and school leaders design and sustain inclusive dual language immersion programs that support biliteracy, grade-level content learning, and access to disability-related services.

The publication identifies five critical features of inclusive dual language immersion programs:
· Inclusive access to language and content
· Integrated language development and special education services
· Holistic staffing and collaboration
· Culturally and linguistically responsive instruction with high expectations
· Meaningful family engagement

Developed with input from urban school district practitioners and national experts, this resource reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that dually identified students can develop biliteracy, access rigorous instruction, and receive the coordinated support they need to thrive.

Read the publication:https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1788538346/cgcsorg/zhmmzjzyiffkyaonz9do/CGCS_DLIPlaybookPub_v16.pdf

09/08/2026

In 2023, when David Zaid was assistant superintendent of California’s Long Beach USD, he participated in the first cohort of the Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents. The program was created to train current and aspiring superintendents to successfully lead large urban school systems.

Three years later, that preparation has come full circle. In July, Zaid was named superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District.

A graduate of the 61,000-student district, Zaid now leads the same district that educated him, shaped his values, nurtured his career, and serves his own daughters. Over more than 32 years, he has served the district as a teacher, principal, Director of Employee Relations, and Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools. That experience gives him a unique understanding of Long Beach Unified, its people, and its commitment to excellence.

As the Council of the Great City Schools celebrates 70 years, we’re proud to spotlight leaders like Superintendent David Zaid. We are also proud of the impact of the Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents. Since its creation in 2023, 11 of its 37 graduates have served as superintendent, acting superintendent, or interim superintendent of a major urban school system.

That’s leadership development with a lasting impact.
Learn more about the Institute and its impact: https://www.cgcs.org/member-services/michael-casserly-urban-executive-leadership-institute

09/02/2026

📚 Today’s the Day! 📚
The wait is over — school is officially back in session! We’re so excited to welcome our amazing students back.
📸 Don’t forget to share your first-day smiles with us

08/25/2026

The school year is off to a great start in Oakland! 📚☀️
Oakland Unified School District welcomed students back to classrooms on August 10, and we’re excited to spotlight their return as our Back-to-School Series continues. Take a look at how the OUSD celebrated the first day back! 🎥✨

Wishing OUSD students, educators, staff, and families continued success throughout the 2026–2027 school year. Here’s to a great year ahead!

08/24/2026

The School District of Palm Beach County is signing up for a great school year! Students are putting their names on it and starting the year with excitement, big goals and plenty to look forward to. 📚✨

🎥 Watch the video to see Palm Beach County students sign on for an amazing year ahead!

https://youtube.com/shorts/oaVxopdlsxA?si=7fJxK2wkTkYATecb

08/23/2026

📚 School is back in session in San Antonio!

Last week, San Antonio ISD welcomed students back to campus for the start of the 2026–27 school year. From warm welcomes and smiling faces to the excitement of returning to classrooms, campuses across the district came alive for a new year of learning and growth.

Board members, district leaders, and staff also joined in the celebration, visiting schools across SAISD to welcome students back.

🎥 Watch the highlights and see how SAISD kicked off the new school year!

08/22/2026

⏰ Last chance to vote! SXSW EDU PanelPicker voting closes this Sunday, August 23.

Our session, “Urban Budgeting: Tough Choices, Clear Priorities,” is live, and we’d love your support!

The session will bring together leaders from Saint Paul Public Schools, Phoenix Union High School District, and Tulsa Public Schools to discuss a challenge facing many large urban school districts: significant enrollment declines. Since enrollment is critical for district funding, these declines have led to financial pressures and tough budgeting decisions. The session will explore how these three urban districts are making budgeting decisions in response to changing enrollment trends.

Cast your vote by Sunday: https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw27/community-voting-edu/page/community-voting/session/1783978253765001YE1D

Create a free SXSW PanelPicker account, click the ❤️ icon, and help us bring this important conversation to SXSW EDU in Austin!