Contact:
Jennifer Kohn Koppel | 512.497.5402 | Jkoppel@dfer.org
Devin Boyle | 202.445.0416 | Devin@dfer.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Democrats for Education Reform Launches Texas Branch, Names Jennifer Kohn Koppel State Director
Austin, TX – March 13, 2014 – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) launched its newest branch today in Texas, kick-starting its efforts to engage Democrats in the dialogue to fundamentally transform American public education in a state traditionally dominated by Republican ideals. Jennifer Kohn Koppel will serve as state director.
“DFER has never shied away from a challenge, and we’re not going to start now,” said Joe Williams, DFER’s Executive Director. “It’s going to be an uphill battle, but Jennifer is the right person for the job. She is absolutely committed to giving Texas kids a public education they can be proud of.”
Since launching its Tennessee branch last year, DFER has shown that it is willing and able to enter the education reform debate in traditionally right-leaning states. DFER Texas will work to unite Texas Democrats and educate them on the importance of school reform, and it will encourage the inclusion of Democrats in larger conversations on education in the state. Koppel will fight for crucial reforms to improve public education in Texas at both the state and local levels.
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Koppel is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. She has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as Vice President of Growth to IDEA Public Schools, a network of public charter schools serving low-income K-12 students in the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Austin. Throughout her career, she has worked with elected officials, philanthropists, business leaders, families, and students to help improve communities throughout Texas.
“First and foremost, this is about kids,” said Koppel. “It’s time to put aside one-party rule in favor of finding bipartisan solutions that work for students who are excluded by a one-size-fits-all system, and that means giving a voice to Democrats who care about these issues.”
###
About Democrats for Education Reform
Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a political reform organization with 13 state offices that cultivates and supports leaders in the Democratic party who champion America’s public schoolchildren.