Carstarphen speaks up about potential Atlanta move

Gene Austin, CEO of Bazaarvoice and 2014 Austin Chamber of Commerce chair-elect, highlighted some of the programming changes that Carstarphen helped implement, including the school district's dual-language and fine arts programs.

"You are leaving Austin stronger than [it was] when you got here," he told Carstarphen. "You also hired an outstanding leadership team. In large part because of your leadership, Austin ISD is experiencing the highest college- and career-readiness rates in its history."

Carstarphen thanked the chamber and members of the administrative staff as well as principals, support staff and school board members for their work to support children throughout the district despite myriad challenges.

"It is a very troubling time for our nation in public education," she said. "Urban education is at the forefront of that fight."

Carstarphen said she has been honored to serve as AISD superintendent and she still considers herself an Austinite.

"They haven't even hired me yet in Atlanta, but if I end up in Atlanta, every resource and connection I have there is at your disposal, too," she said. "I will always have deep friendships with the surrounding superintendents, with the staff that I've worked with and certainly with this chamber."

More information about the district's search for a superintendent is available at www.austinisd.org/superintendent-search.