FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
What They Are Saying About DFER’s New National President, Shavar Jeffries
“As a son of Newark, he has experienced firsthand the impact that failing schools have on communities and how bold leadership has the power to change lives for the better.”
– U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
“There are many who claim to fight for social justice, but Shavar Jeffries has worked at every stage of his career to make his community, state, and country a better place. And not only has he fought the good fight, he’s won the fights that matter.”
– Anne Milgram, Former NJ Attorney General
“Shavar has proven time and again that he won’t allow our next generation to be defined by the economic circumstances they are born into.”
– Mary Landrieu, Fmr. U.S. Senator (D-LA)
WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced that longtime education advocate and former Newark mayoral candidate Shavar Jeffries will serve as the National President of DFER and Education Reform Now, its affiliated policy think tank.
Here is what folks are saying about Shavar:
IN THE DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION REFORM COMMUNITY…
U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
“Shavar is an intelligent, passionate and dedicated education reformer who has shown a lifelong commitment to improving performance outcomes for our students. As a son of Newark, he has experienced firsthand the impact that failing schools have on communities and how bold leadership has the power to change lives for the better. I look forward to working with him as the leader of the Democrats for Education Reform, as he continues to forcefully advocate transformative change in the public education system.”
Mary Landrieu, Former U.S. Senator (D-LA)
“It’s been a long time since I’ve met someone with the vision, drive, and limitless potential of Shavar Jeffries. His commitment to the students of Newark and his genuine passion for helping all kids get the educational opportunities that allow them the chance to succeed is infectious. Here in New Orleans, in the decade since Hurricane Katrina, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of local leaders willing to challenge the status quo when it had failed our kids. Shavar has proven time and again that he won’t allow our next generation to be defined by the economic circumstances they are born into. “
Anne Milgram, Former New Jersey Attorney General
“There are many who claim to fight for social justice, but Shavar Jeffries has worked at every stage of his career to make his community, state, and country a better place. And not only has he fought the good fight, he’s won the fights that matter. Shavar worked tirelessly to double the graduation rate in the New Jersey juvenile detention program, and he understands the enormously positive impact education can and should have. He’s as tenacious as they come. I’m delighted he’s continuing his fight on behalf of children.”
Joe Williams, DFER Executive Director Emeritus
“When I first met Shavar, years ago, I left the meeting and immediately called my wife to tell her I had just met one of the most impressive people, well, ever. He walks the walk. Shavar is the perfect leader for pragmatic, reform-minded Democrats.”
Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Mayor of Los Angeles
“Shavar Jeffries knows first-hand why it’s so critical that we make sure that every child, from Los Angeles to Newark, has access to a quality education no matter what neighborhood they’re from. He has fought throughout his career to promote better opportunities for underprivileged kids and to fix what’s broken in our education system. I’m confident he’ll be a strong leader for DFER because he understands that as Democrats, it’s our obligation to make sure the public education system gives every child a fair shot to succeed.”
Ryan Hill, KIPP NJ Executive Director
“Shavar has been involved in our schools since day one, first as our founding board chair; later as the father of two KIPP students. In the fifteen years I have known him, I have never once seen Shavar lose sight of what matters: how the kids – his kids, all of Newark’s kids – are doing. He is defined by an intense courage and integrity wrought by a lifetime of experiences that have brought clarity to his vision for what education can, should, and must provide for all of our nation’s children.”
Kevin Chavous, DFER Chair Emeritus; former member of the Council of the District of Columbia and Chair of the Council’s Education Committee
“I have known Shavar Jeffries for years. He is a fierce and unapologetic champion of children and knows firsthand the transformative power of a high-quality education for himself, his own children and community, and communities across the country to which he is dedicated to serving. At a time when many cities are reaching crisis points, Shavar and I share a deep sense of urgency around getting as many kids as possible into better schools — now. We know how critical that access is and what it will mean to countless lives and the future of our great cities. I look forward to working with Shavar in his new role at DFER, the organization I helped start, and all that his leadership offers at a national level. We should all expect big things.”
Barbara O’Brien, Former Colorado Lt. Governor & DFER National Advisory Board Chair
“We could not be more excited to have Shavar leading our national efforts. He brings a deep understanding that a quality education for every child can and should be not just our goal, but a given. We are delighted that Shavar will be continuing this fight alongside the countless Democrats around the country who are working to improve our public education system.”
Craig Johnson, Former New York State Senator
“Shavar’s commitment to this issue is inspiring – he has worked relentlessly in Newark for expanded opportunities for kids and being a father makes this that much more personal. His leadership is critical to DFER’s ability to put students at the center of education debate in the Democratic Party.”
Ray Chambers
“I can think of no one better than Shavar Jefferies to be named as the President of Education Reform Now. His passion and deep commitment to ensure that all children are provided with the same standard of education that many of us were afforded defines who Shavar is as a person.”
Terrance Carroll, Former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives and DFER National Advisory Board Member
“We’re at a crucial time here in the reform movement – while we’ve made incredible progress on behalf of our students, there’s still much more to accomplish. The future may seem daunting, but under Shavar’s visionary leadership at DFER, I couldn’t be more excited to roll up my sleeves and keep working on behalf of our students. I can say with complete confidence that DFER is better prepared than ever to lead our movement and fight for our kids, so that that every single one of them gets the high-quality education – and the brighter future – they deserve.”
ON SOCIAL MEDIA…
Eva Moskowitz, Founder & CEO of Success Academy Charter Schools
@MoskowitzEva: Congratulations @shavarjeffries on your new role! @DFER_News is lucky to have such an amazing advocate for all kids.
Nina Rees, President & CEO of National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
@Ninacharters: Welcome @shavarjeffries!! RT @DFER_News: Join us in welcoming @shavarjeffries as DFER’s new National President: http://bit.ly/1JF5qH3 cc: @EdReformNowUSA
Leslie Brody, Wall Street Journal
@Leslie Brody: Shavar Jeffries, who sought mayor’s seat in Newark, to lead nat’l Democrats for Education Reform http://on.wsj.com/1JA6jOY via @WSJ
Vallay Varro, President of FiftyCAN
@Vallay: Congrats @shavarjeffries and DFER The new face of Democrats who support education reform http://fw.to/Eo7ZV8G
Lanae Erickson, Director of The Social Policy & Politics Program at Third Way
@LanaeErickson: Congrats @DFER_News on new Prez Shavar Jeffries, a man who gets #education realities on the ground via @Joy_Resmovits http://www.latimes.com/local/education/community/la-me-edu-shavar-jeffries-takes-over-democrats-for-education-reform-20150902-story.html
Ben Austin, Policy & Advocacy Director of Students Matter and Founder of Parent Revolution
@iambenaustin: Congratulations to Joe Williams for a great run leading @DFER_News. @ShavarJeffries will be an important new voice. http://www.latimes.com/local/education/community/la-me-edu-shavar-jeffries-takes-over-democrats-for-education-reform-20150902-story.html
Michael Magee, CEO of Chiefs for Change
@mcmageejr: Congrats to @shavarjeffries & @DFER_News! Great choice for vital org in effort to improve American public schools.
For more information on DFER, please visit: www.dfer.org
###
Contact: press@dfer.org