By Joan Crigger
July 1, 2002

The U.S. Conference of Mayors launched a new initiative on education during the Opening Plenary session of the 70th Annual Conference of Mayors. The Broad Foundation of Los Angeles will be the Conference of Mayors partner in the Mayors' Initiative for Leadership in Education (MILE). Pia Saengswang, Associate Director of the Foundation made the announcement.

Eli Broad, Founder of The Broad Foundation, said from Los Angeles, "As the primary civic and political leaders in our nation's cities, mayors have a crucial role to play in the fight to improve the quality of our public schools. Our partnership with The U.S. Conference of Mayors will focus on making education reform the number one priority for urban mayors across the country. Mayor Menino's outstanding national reputation and strong track record of success in improving Boston's public schools make him an exemplary leaders for launching this venture."

Mayor Menino added, "The Mayors' Initiative for Leadership in Education is exactly what we need to continue the progress and education reforms that mayors have made in their cities. Quality public education is the key to the future of our children and ensuring the health of our nation's great cities."

The Mayors' Initiative for Leadership in Education (MILE) will host forums around the country for mayors and education leaders to provide technical assistance and share best practices relevant to mayoral leadership in education reform. MILE will culminate in a high-profile, national Mayors' Education Summit to be held next spring co-hosted by The Broad Foundation's founder Eli Broad and Boston's Mayor Menino.

The Broad Foundation is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneurial grant-making organization, established in 1999 by Eli and Edythe Broad. The Foundation was started with an initial investment of $100 million that was recently increased by the Broad family to $00 million. The Foundation's mission is to dramatically improve K-12 public education through better governance, management and labor relations.

For further information on MILE, please contact Joan Crigger of the Conference staff at (202) 861- 6726.