Max McGee elected Golden Apple Board Chair
Board of Directors has elected a new slate of officers, including a new chair, Dr. Glenn W. “Max” McGee, who is currently Superintendent of Schools in Wilmette District 39 and formerly Illinois State Superintendent of Education.
A graduate of Dartmouth College and recipient of a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago , Dr. McGee has devoted his studies and career to improving teaching and learning for all students. He is currently completing a scholarly, comprehensive study of high-performing, high achieving schools in Illinois, titled “Closing the Achievement Gap: Lessons from the Golden Spike Schools,” which will be published next month by the Journal for the Education of Students Placed at Risk. McGee's recent book, “What Every Superintendent and Principal Needs to Know: School Leadership for the Real World,” is in its second printing.
Dr. McGee began his career working with high school students from the Harlem neighborhood in New York City and has taught middle school; coached high school ports; and served as a principal and superintendent in high-achieving school districts. He runs marathons and is a competitive triathlete, finishing first in his age group at the 2003 Lake Michigan Triathlon.
“We are indeed pleased that Dr. McGee has agreed to lead Golden Apple,” said President and CEO Elaine Schuster. “His experience and enthusiasm will energize our mission to ensure that all Illinois schoolchildren have the excellent teachers they deserve.”
Dr. Schuster also thanked outgoing board chair James Baumann for his eight years of service and leadership, which has seen Golden Apple's programs and services grow in depth and stature. Mr. Baumann will continue to serve on the board of directors.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to fulfill a dream to work with an organization that is so committed to advancing excellence in instruction, especially for those students in our most challenged schools,” Dr. McGee said. “With excellent teachers, there is truly no ceiling on a child's potential, and I intend to work with our team to extend the incredible work of Golden Apple.”
The board also re-elected two vice chairs: Robert Center , director of Japanese business services at Ernst & Young Global; and Mark Larson, director of education at Lincoln Park Zoo. Golden Apple Fellow Jacquie McGrew was elected secretary, and David Chandler, managing director of William Blair Capital Partners, LLC was re-elected treasurer.
Jan Grayson, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in the Edgar Administration and currently managing partner of JMG and Associates, was elected chair of the development committee.
Two new directors elected to the board are Tracy Townsend, former education reporter and anchor at CBS2 News, and Matthew McGuire, vice president, institutional marketing and client services at Ariel Capital Management, Inc. in Chicago .
Golden Apple is a growing community of expert teachers and teachers-to-be who are working together with a passionate commitment to ensure that all Illinois schoolchildren have the excellent teachers they deserve. Drawing on shared experience and inspiration, Golden Apple recruits, prepares, and mentors new teachers to work in the neediest schools.
With the assistance of the governor, the state legislature, and generous donors, Golden Apple funds scholarships for future teachers; creates model programs and partnerships; and sponsors annual awards that encourage and inspire all teachers to attain ever-higher levels of ex