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AUSTIN, Texas—The ÁùºÏ±¦µä released the following statement from Superintendent Meria Carstarphen on being named the new superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools today, April 14:

I would like to thank ÁùºÏ±¦µä—all of our students, families, teachers, principals and team members—the district’s trustees and the ÁùºÏ±¦µä community for your support during the past five years. No superintendent does this work alone, and I have been fortunate to work with you toward a common goal—providing a quality education for every student and a supportive environment for our dedicated ÁùºÏ±¦µä staff.

ÁùºÏ±¦µä is on a solid path. Together, we have ensured the district has built strong momentum and support for the expansion of social and emotional learning to every school, realized a dramatic decrease in disciplinary referrals for African-American and special education students, and achieved an all-time high graduation rate of 82.5 percent. I am proud of the progress ÁùºÏ±¦µä has made during my tenure, and confident that it will continue in the years ahead.

As a daughter of the Deep South, I look forward to joining the Atlanta community and helping to rebuild Atlanta Public Schools. But, I will miss ÁùºÏ±¦µä. When you love something, it is hard to let go. I love ÁùºÏ±¦µä and ÁùºÏ±¦µä.

It has been a true honor to serve with an amazing team as ÁùºÏ±¦µä’s superintendent.

Media Availability with ÁùºÏ±¦µä Board President: Vincent Torres, president of the Board of Trustees, will be available to answer questions about ÁùºÏ±¦µä’s next steps at 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, at the Carruth Administration Center, 1111 W. 6^th St., Board Auditorium.