Aut viam inveniam aut faciam: Aurora Public Schools Providing Stability During a Global Pandemic
November 12, 4:00-5:30 P.M. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
Featured Speaker: Superintendent Rico Munn
Sponsored by the Socio-Political Special Interest Group
(Co-Chairs Liliana Graham and Susan Holloway)
Abstract: The global pandemic has introduced uncertainty into nearly every aspect of American lives. Despite the uncertainty, it has been critical for public schools to provide our communities with as much stability as possible. In APS, school and district staff have mobilized to provide stability with a wraparound approach.
From March-August, the APS Nutrition Services team has served more than 1.8 million free meals to the community thanks to generous donations from community members and philanthropic partners. To bridge the digital divide, APS technology professionals have checked out more than 20,000 devices to families to access remote learning. Lastly, APS mental health professionals have continued to provide social emotional support services remotely. We have also provided additional support for our families of students with special needs and English language learners.
"Aut viam inveniam aut faciam" means "I shall find a way or make one". That is the theme in APS and it is encouraging to see educators across our state and country doing the same.
Bio: Rico Munn serves as the 16th superintendent of Aurora Public Schools. Prior to joining APS, Munn served in a variety of leadership roles in Colorado’s legal and business communities. In 2012, he was appointed to the Board of Governors for the Colorado State University System by Governor John Hickenlooper and served until 2020. In 2002, he was elected to the Colorado State Board of Education where he served until 2007. In addition, he was a member of Governor Bill Ritter’s Cabinet where he served as the executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education from 2009-2011.
Munn also served on Governor Ritter’s Cabinet as executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies from 2007-2009 where he oversaw the Colorado Divisions of Civil Rights, Banking, Real Estate, Insurance, Financial Services, Securities, Professional Licensure, Public Utilities and Consumer Counsel.
Munn is a graduate of Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, where he received his B.A. in secondary education and was named Student Teacher of the Year in 1993. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.