Green Dot Public Schools CEO to Step Down after 12 Years

Canter: “Marco’s legacy at Green Dot is unmistakable; he solidified our institution’s service to the communities and students that need it most.”

 

After almost 12 years at Green Dot Public Schools—overseeing unprecedented growth from 3,000 students to 15,000, CEO Marco Petruzzi announced his intention to step down this fall.

“It has been the honor of my lifetime to work for the students and families that Green Dot serves. Our evolution is a testament to the mission of this organization: a commitment to the idea that all kids can learn - that great public education is possible in every neighborhood,” said Petruzzi.

“Marco’s legacy at Green Dot is unmistakable; he solidified our institution’s service to the communities and students that need it most. Under his leadership, we grew from serving 3,000 students in 2006 to serving 15,000 students in 30 middle and high schools in California, Tennessee and Washington. We are proud to be a network of schools that truly serves all students.” said Green Dot National Board Chair, Marlene Canter. Ms. Canter is a former president of the Los Angeles Unified School Board of Education.

“Marco also helped launch and establish United Parents and Students, a movement to organize parents and students in disenfranchised areas to transform their own communities,” she continued.

Green Dot Public Schools remains one of few national public charter school networks that take on whole-school transformation initiatives, working in collaboration with both Los Angeles Unified School District and Tennessee’s Achievement School District. Green Dot is also rare among charters in that its educators in California are unionized, as are its classified staff.

Green Dot’s unique governance structure ensures that local leaders—Cristina de Jesus, Megan Quaile and Bree Dusseault—will proceed to serve schools and students directly, supporting a smooth transition that will not be felt directly by students and families.

A search for a new CEO has already begun. The National Board is leading the way in establishing a search committee chaired by Vice Chair Paul Miller, as well as an advisory team to help guide the search. Green Dot is working with Korn Ferry, a reputable executive search firm, to enlist stable and visionary leadership for the next phase of Green Dot’s evolution. “As we embark on this search, we must engage another strong executive leader who will lead a team to navigate the evolving landscape of education reform while advancing Green Dot’s compelling vision for the future,” said Canter.

This decision comes as Green Dot looks to its next 10 years and deepens its commitment to the all-students-model that has driven its success. Petruzzi will remain a part of the Green Dot community as a proud parent — his son recently graduated from Animo Venice, and his daughter still attends the school.

“While many things have changed since I took the job — one thing hasn’t: A great public education is the foundation of achieving the American dream and we must continue to invest in ensuring that we provide equal opportunity for all students,” Petruzzi reflected.

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