In this time of great uncertainty, strong leadership and thoughtful plans are needed now more than ever. In that spirit, we have exciting news to share.
In August 2010, Ian Rowe became the Chief Executive Officer of Public Prep, he coined a new phrase: a “decadal commitment.” He made this time-bound, ten-year pledge both because durable organizations require a dedicated leader that shapes the institution over time, while also ensuring the organization periodically benefits from the vibrancy when a new leader refreshes this vision and builds upon a strong foundation.
This is why we are excited to announce that on June 30, 2020, Ian will step down as CEO of Public Prep. And on July 1, 2020, Janelle Bradshaw, the Superintendent who he actively recruited five years ago and transformed Public Prep’s academic achievements, will become CEO. Both Janelle and Ian are excited that this long-planned succession and smooth transition of leadership will help ensure Public Prep remains a lasting institution.
It is extraordinary to look back at the pioneering work Public Prep has achieved over the last decade in a range of areas, including singe sex education, early childhood development, college partnerships, real estate development with our 85,000 sq ft Boys Prep Bronx building, and the political advocacy role Public Prep has played in shaping policy and dialogue around ensuring families have the power to choose an exceptional, tuition-free school for their son or daughter. Most importantly, with the 2020-21 school year, Public Prep will be educating more than 2,000 scholars PrePrep through 8th grade across Girls Prep Bronx, Boys Prep Bronx, Girls Prep Lower East Side, and the opening of Girls Prep Bronx II. And our alumnae of eight graduating classes of 8th graders will be attending college prep high schools, and many of the finest colleges and universities across the country.
Janelle Bradshaw, our current Superintendent, will become Chief Executive Officer on July 1. Janelle has dedicated twenty years to education serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, school reviewer and leadership coach. Under her leadership as Superintendent, the academic program has been strengthened by implementing aligned curriculum and assessments and investing in strong adult development to ensure strong teachers and leaders in every classroom and school. Results have improved more than 20% on NYS Exams leading to all three Public Prep Academies named as NYS Recognition Schools for high growth and high achievement. The growth of our network has consistently outpaced the gains of charter competitors as well as other schools in the state. Working alongside Ian over this year on the strategic direction of the organization and supported by a strong academic team, she is ready to expand her role and continue to serve the Public Prep community.
As a testament to the internal bench strength at Public Prep, Josie Carbone will be named Superintendent. As the founding Principal of Girls Prep Bronx Elementary – now in its tenth year – and current Assistant Superintendent, she holds the respect and admiration across the organization, which will provide the internal confidence with the evolution of the executive leadership team. Josie and Janelle have worked together since 2012 when Janelle first served as a reviewer for GPBXE and later served as Josie’s leadership coach. For the past three years, Josie and Janelle have worked side by side as part of the network team, Josie has honed her skills with data driven strategies to drive student progress and to guide the academic and school based teams. Her social capital and academic prowess will prove beneficial in the continuation of results and school culture.
Michele Cerwin maintains the role of Chief Operating Officer, responsible for all non-academic functions having joined in May 2019. Her focus remains on financial stability, operational excellence along with enrollment, community engagement, development strategy, technology and real estate. Michele has developed a productive and highly collaborative relationship with Janelle and the home office operations leaders in her short tenure and is committed to the success of the team and the Public Prep organization.
As our mission statement says, “At Public Prep, Girls Prep and Boys Prep scholars are challenged to think and work hard every day.” Now more than ever, Public Prep remains committed to creating generations of “alumni who will become resilient young scholars of bold intellect.” Thank you for joining us on this journey.
With gratitude and in partnership,
The Public Prep Team
