Summer Matters Superheroes Celebrated!

Summer Matters is excited to celebrate our three Summer Superheroes. These superintendents from districts across the state are champions of summer learning. Today, we unveil their secret identities and talk a little about the amazing work they have done in their districts to bridge the opportunity gap, and give all students access to high quality summer learning.

Superintendent Richard Martinez – Pomona Unified School District

A tireless advocate for children’s rights, who’s been recognized by the White House and President Obama for his innovative digital learning initiatives. Since assuming the leadership of the district, Martinez has shifted his focus toward closing the achievement gap for inner-city students – and summer learning is key to his efforts.

Superintendent Dr. Deborah A. Flores – Gilroy Unified School District

“For 8 years, we have all worked very hard to create this model summer program, as we are passionate about eliminating the typical summer learning loss that occurs for our most disadvantaged students,” said Dr. Flores. “Our vision is that every disadvantaged student in our district will be eligible to go to a 4-year college when they graduate from high school. Many of the students who have attended this program are now not only succeeding in school, but are confident, articulate, creative and collaborative students,”

She is the recipient of numerous awards for her work on behalf of children including the Santa Clara County and California Superintendent of the Year 2016 Award by the Association of California School Administrators. Dr. Flores credits the Summer Matters campaign as a key to combating summer learning loss and increasing student confidence.

Superintendent William McCoy – Sausalito Marin City School District

“Summer learning provides equity for students in order to help level the playing field year round,” McCoy said “At a time when equity is being discussed on the national stage, the provision of quality programs locally is of incredible importance. I know that I cannot change the discourse at the national level, but I can help students locally build their skills and experiences to help them eventually contribute on a much broader scale. The programs and people dedicated to summer learning are vital to student success, and I am honored to help bring a spotlight to work,”

McCoy has focused on improving systems that will render higher quality programs for students. His work with systems improvement caught the eye of state officials who invited him to participate in the Governor’s Select Committee for Expanding Student Success. In February of 2016, McCoy was recognized by the White House as a “Champion for Change.” According to McCoy, it’s critical to provide all students with effective and high quality instruction, a high level of resources, rigor and expectations, for high school and beyond.