');
	document.write('

January 14, 2013

Dear Superintendents:

The  new year typically marks the midpoint of the traditional school year, yet it  seems like only yesterday that I embarked on the nationwide *Education Drives America* back-to-school  bus tour. I'd like to recognize all of  you for the work you do and your commitment to student achievement.

I specifically  want to recognize those of you who recently started in new positions. Whether this is your first year leading a school  system or you are a seasoned veteran who has moved to a new challenge, taking  the reins of a district is an immensely rewarding opportunity that few will  ever experience. My first few months as  the CEO of Chicago Public Schools felt long and daunting, but taught me important  lessons that I carry with me to this day.

Over  the past four years, the U.S. Department of Education has strived to set a  strong foundation that ensures your districts can provide high-quality programs  and supports to our nation's students. We granted 34 states and the District  of Columbia ESEA flexibility to better focus on improving student learning and  the quality of instruction. Among other  programs, we awarded $4.6 billion to states to jump-start the very difficult  work of turning around our persistently lowest-achieving schools; $4.2 billion  to states through Race to the Top, which is serving more than 1,000 districts;  92 Investing in Innovation (i3) grants to support practices designed to  accelerate achievement and help students succeed in college and in their careers;  58 Promise Neighborhood grants to help communities in need provide  cradle-to-career services that improve the educational achievement and healthy  development of children; and almost $400 million for 16  applicants representing  55 districts across 11 states and the District of Columbia to support  locally developed Race to the Top-District plans to personalize and deepen  student learning, directly improve student achievement and educator  effectiveness, close achievement gaps, and prepare every student to succeed in  college and in their careers.

As  we enter 2013 and President Obama begins his second term, I am excited about the  potential to improve student learning and achievement in districts like yours  all across the nation. The American  people agree that education remains a critical investment in our children and the  future of our nation.  It is a key to  economic growth and prosperity and the surest path out of poverty in our  knowledge-based economy.

Finally,  we have experienced many highs over the past few years, but our hearts are  heavy as we attempt to understand and cope with the tragedy that took place at
Sandy  Hook Elementary School. My prayers are  with all of Newtown, Connecticut, especially the families of the students and  faculty killed last month. Going  forward, we must work to ensure that our schools remain among the safest places  in society. At the President's  direction, Vice President Biden is leading a group of Cabinet secretaries,  including me, to make comprehensive recommendations to reduce gun violence and  prevent future mass shootings. This  difficult but important conversation will continue in schools and  communities—in cities, suburbs, and rural areas across the country. Now more than ever it is a reminder to thank all  of you who work every day to care for, comfort, and protect our children from  harm.

I wish  you, your families, and your students a wonderful new year.



| | Sincerely, 
| | -----------
| | /s/        
| | Arne Duncan