During the several weeks following our successful school openings in August, celebrations have continued, with more than 70 of our schools meeting or exceeding their goals on the State Report Card. Numerous schools improved their ratings to "Effective" and "Excellent" this year, and one of our schools received the District's first "Excellent with Distinction" rating.

The elevation of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District from "Academic Watch" to  "Continuous Improvement" is more than a milestone for our mission to become a premier school district in the United States. It is a reminder to every stakeholder in our school community that we will remain in a state of "Continuous Improvement" as we move forward with our Academic Transformation Plan.

While it is a joy to begin the school year with so much to celebrate, we are mindful that, until every school is rated "Effective" or "Excellent," we still have much work to do.

The national spotlight that shined on the Cleveland Metropolitan School District during NBC's week-long Education Nation televised summit in late September is a testament to the vision and hard work of thousands of students, staff, parents and citizens who have embraced the aggressive reform initiatives underway in Cleveland's schools.

In Cleveland, we are earning our reputation, not just for reforming our schools, but for transforming our entire educational system. As we collaborate to achieve the goals of our Transformation Plan, our schools, staff, central office and support systems remain focused on our pledge to do "whatever it takes" to ensure the academic achievement of our students.

If America is to retain its economic standing in the world, we must accept accountability for the children whose future depends on our combined commitment and dedication.

The dialogue fostered during NBC's Education Nation Summit in New York will continue throughout our country as we consider not only how best to prepare our students for success but also how to move the children and families of our nation forward to an era of greater stability.

With the school community working together to achieve the goals of the Transformation Plan, we will see the difference in the days ahead with safer schools, improved neighborhoods, a more hopeful and inspired community, and a vibrant workforce in Cleveland.

We have the power to make a quality education what it must be for every child in America - an imperative, not an option; a right for all, not a privilege for some.