Are our public PreK–12 schools preparing students for college, career, and a productive and satisfying life? Are we truly invested in public education? Civic institutions, city leaders, and private philanthropy prioritize education for the region’s well-being. Companies rely on an educated workforce to thrive now and in the coming years. Our students are our future. Improved education is a regional goal, but how do we achieve success?

Lisa Hall  and Elliott Witney will guide us in an exploration of public education in Harris County, which has over 50 school districts. Schools serving over 879,000 students range in quality from excellent to failing. Ms. Hall is conversant in many of the efforts designed to enhance learning in our region. Mr. Witney brings perspective gained from his classroom, administrative, and district leadership experiences to the conversation. We anticipate a lively question-and-answer component to this primer on public education.

Lisa A. Hall is vice president for programs at the Houston Endowment Inc. She has long been invested in the educational well-being of Houston’s young people and has worked as a consultant on development of Rice University Children’s Campus and later as general counsel and vice president for talent support at YES Prep Public Schools.

Elliott Witney is chief program officer at Good Reason Houston, where he oversees district and school support, early childhood work, and human capital strategy. Prior to joining Good Reason Houston, he served as an associate superintendent in Spring Branch ISD; and as a teacher, school and district leader for KIPP Houston Public Schools. Mr. Witney began his educational career as a Teach for America corps member teaching 5th grade in Houston ISD.