OFL Taps Tom Goodman as Chief Education Officer

Former San Diego City Schools and Santa Clara County Schools Chief to Oversee Curriculum and Quality Initiatives for Teaching At-Risk Students

LA CANADA, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2003) – Opportunities for Learning charter schools group today announced it has hired one of California’s most experienced and respected public school officials as its chief education officer.

Tom Goodman – who formerly served as superintendent of schools for both San Diego City and Santa Clara County – brings a wide range of experience to the organization.

“Not only does Tom possess an incredible wealth of experience in all aspects of education,” said John Hall, president of La Canada-based Opportunities for Learning (OFL). “But most importantly, he shares our genuine passion for reaching those students who are in danger of falling through the cracks and out of society.”

In his role as chief education officer, Goodman will oversee efforts to improve curriculum and enhance programs through new quality initiatives for both OFL and its sister charter schools organization, the Pasadena-based non-profit Options for Youth (OFY). Goodman will also play a lead role in helping navigate the increasingly important and complex requirements related to various state and federal testing standards. Furthermore, he will serve as the top liaison to OFL/OFY school districts and other key audiences throughout the state and nation.

“The name Tom Goodman is synonymous with excellence and commitment in education,” said Joan Hall, president of OFY. “Having him on board provides us with the additional executive leadership necessary for us to become even more effective at reaching the students who need one-on-one teaching to succeed.”

Both OFL and OFY charter schools were founded to provide quality educational services to thousands of at-risk students, primarily ethnic minority teenagers, so they can stay in school and continue their education to earn high school diplomas. At-risk students include students who have left traditional schools, teen parents, expectant mothers, individuals in the juvenile justice system, truants, as well as those who have had problems with the law and behavioral or health issues. OFL and OFY currently serve over 20,000 students each year.

Goodman, who holds a Ph.D from Ohio State University in educational administration, has held numerous senior positions throughout his distinguished 40-year career. In addition to his work as superintendent of California’s second largest city and county public school systems, he has served as executive director for the Indiana Urban Schools Association; vice president of EdVISION Corporation, and director of U.S. Department of Defense Schools in Europe and Asia. Goodman has also worked as a teacher, curriculum specialist, and education lobbyist. Most recently, he was an education consultant to Saxon Publishers, Inc, and Quality Schools International. This month, he was appointed to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Education Advisory Committee. Goodman’s career includes a robust history of community service, including a focus on reaching at-risk youth.

“I have always had an affinity for working with at-risk students and was drawn to the great track record that OFY/OFL charter schools have in reaching them,” Goodman said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to again be making a direct impact on public education and look forward to working directly with teachers, parents and administrators to reach those students who need us most.”