The Chicago Public Education Fund Welcomes D’Andre J. Weaver to Its Board of Directors

April 30, 2021 - Today, The Chicago Public Education Fund (The Fund) announced the election of Dr. D’Andre J. Weaver to its Board of Directors. Weaver is the superintendent of DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) in DeSoto, Texas, and has a long track record of improving student outcomes as an educator. Weaver joins a Board composed of corporate, civic and education leaders dedicated to creating equitable outcomes for Chicago public school students. With his experience as a former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) educator, Weaver will provide insight into the challenges that school leaders face and help the Board surface new opportunities to support them. “When I was a CPS principal, I took advantage of every professional development opportunity The Fund offered me,” Weaver said. “Now, I am so excited to be part of a team that provides that opportunity for other school leaders in Chicago. It is wonderful to have the chance to serve the city’s students and educators once again.” Under Weaver’s leadership, DeSoto ISD saw a 12-point gain in the district’s accountability rating, according to the Texas Education Agency. In addition, he’s currently spearheading efforts to develop a joint strategic plan encompassing the school district, the two cities that DeSoto ISD serves, a local university, a local hospital and the Chamber of Commerce. Before his appointment as superintendent of DeSoto ISD, Weaver served as a community superintendent in the Houston-area school system Spring Branch Independent School District, where he supported 20 principals. Additionally, Weaver previously led Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, one of 11 selective enrollment high schools in the Chicago Public Schools system. During his tenure, graduation rates, college entrance and retention rates, and freshmen on-track rates improved to all-time highs. “There is no substitute for lived experience,” Fund CEO Heather Y. Anichini said. “D’Andre has always been a thoughtful and intentional leader. We are so thrilled to welcome him to the Board. Every Board member brings a valuable perspective, and we look forward to adding D’Andre’s to the rich chorus of voices on our team.” A lifelong learner committed to improving outcomes for all students, Weaver is a Pahara-Next Gen Fellow, a member of the Southern Education Foundation Racial Equity Leadership Network, Educational Leaders of Color, the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators and the National Alliance of Black School Educators. Weaver earned his doctorate in educational leadership and administration from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Chyla, who is also an educational leader; they have two daughters, Elle and Ava who both attend DeSoto ISD schools.   About The Chicago Public Education Fund The Fund is a nonprofit organization that improves public schools in Chicago by investing in the talented educators who lead them. We are a catalyst for accelerating student learning and a long-standing leader in identifying and scaling what works for not only teachers and principals, but also their students. To learn more about the principals we serve and the work we do, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.   For more information, contact: Elizabeth Greiwe, The Chicago Public Education Fund egreiwe@thefundchicago.org | (630) 336-7303