Ingram to address Springfield Rotary

Date: 1/25/2010

SPRINGFIELD Dr. Alan J. Ingram, Superintendent of the Springfield Public Schools, will address the Springfield Rotary Club's luncheon meeting on Jan. 29. His topic will be "Creating a Culture of Educational Excellence for our Children."

As Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, Ingram is responsible for the effective operation of the district, composed of 51 campuses, more than 25,000 students, nearly 5,000 employees and an approximate annual operating budget of $356 million. Appointed in May 2008, Ingram immediately began working with more than 70 community members representing business, faith-based, public and private education, union and parental interests to define the district's strategic planning framework.

During his first year as superintendent, Ingram identified student attendance as a critical area in need of immediate attention. He implemented an attendance improvement initiative that resulted in an attendance increase from 89.4 percent to 90.4 percent that year. This year, a new attendance policy that provides incentives for students to return to school coupled with the creation of a Springfield Student Attendance Resource Center are expected to accelerate the attendance progress.

The Springfield Rotary Club meets every Friday at 12:15 p.m. in the Mass Mutual Room at the Basketball Hall of Fame, West Columbus Avenue, and is a proud member of Rotary International. The Rotary luncheon, with guest speaker Dr. Alan J. Ingram, is $13 per person and is open to the public.

For more information on the Springfield Rotary or becoming a member, please contact Springfield Club Membership Chair Mike Healy at 267-1217 or visit www.springfieldmarotary.org.