FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tonya Horton Joins Citizen Schools North Carolina as Executive Director 

June 15, 2011 – Charlotte, N.C. – Citizen Schools announced today that Tonya Horton is joining the organization as Executive Director of Citizen Schools North Carolina.  Citizen Schools is a national nonprofit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for low-income students. The North Carolina program partners with schools in Charlotte, Durham and Henderson.

Tonya brings deep education experience to the organization’s work in North Carolina. Prior to joining Citizen Schools, as a District Transformation Coach for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Horton worked with district leadership to build capacity and structures to foster school improvement. Her work was critical in helping one of the lowest-performing districts in North Carolina make major strides forward with student achievement. Hallmarks of her work are being a thoughtful agent of change, using strategic planning and data to drive effective action, engaging communities in accessing resources for students and teachers, and building strong relationships and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. Previously, Horton served in varioius school district roles in North Carolina and Texas, including curriculum coordinator, student achievement specialist, middle school principal and teacher. Horton holds a B.A. in History Education and a M.A. in History from North Carolina Central University, as well as a M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas. She will soon complete her doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas.

"I'm thrilled to join Citizen Schools and lead this important work in the North Carolina region," said Horton. "The organization has proven results setting kids on a path to high school graduation and my goal is to grow our footprint here in North Carolina and make high school graduation and college success a reality for even more of our students."

About Citizen Schools

Citizen Schools is a leading national education initiative that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for children in low-income communities across the country through afterschool and expanded learning time programs. The organization mobilizes a second shift of afternoon educators, who provide academic support, leadership development, and "apprenticeships"—hands-on projects taught by volunteers from business and civic organizations. At 37 middle schools in seven states across the country, Citizen Schools students develop the skills they need to succeed in high school, college, the workforce, and civic life.  

Learn more about Citizen Schools’ North Carolina programs.