Inland Empire Community Newspapers • October 6, 2016 • Page A7

Alejandre: “We are a community bonded through education.” cation and student advisory panels. According to the Superintendent, more than 150 students from 41 schools participated and collaborated in workgroups to address the County’s issues with economics, education, health, and safety. “Our students are going to be our next leaders,” Alejandre said. “By seeing how they can make an impact by working together in collaboration, they are inspired to reach their dreams.” The County’s Cradle to Career Roadmap, which Alejandre said focuses on a higher education and professional employment trajectory for students, will transform

the region. Twenty five of the County’s 33 school districts have adopted Cradle to Career. The City of Colton became the first municipality to adopt the Roadmap last December. “Communities that foster such an environment experience greater school/community partnerships, increased educational attainment, attract homebuyers and employers, and become places where young people want to stay once they have become established,” said Alejandre. Alejandre also promoted the County’s partnership with the American Council on Education,

the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Council, the University of California, the California State University, and 23 high schools to create a schoolwide college application. The Superintendent said the partnership is part of the American College Application and Success Campaign that focuses on increasing college and financial aid applications and enrollment to higher education institutions. The County Superintendent will give a second State of Education address on Oct. 21 at the High Desert Church in Victorville.

PHOTO/JOHN COLEMAN

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre.

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By Anthony Victoria

ommunity collaboration, college readiness, and student wellness were among the themes discussed by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre during his second State of Education at the California Theatre last Thursday. “In a world of complexity, challenges and change, ours is a com-

munity with a roadmap for success...a community that fully embraces the mantra that, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” Alejandre said to hundreds of educators in attendance. “We are a community transforming lives through education. Alejandre, who became County Superintendent in January 2015, began his address by speaking on the importance of alternative edu-

PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA

The Upland High School choir performing the Star Spangled Banner during San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre State of Education address on Sep. 29.