RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Because children are our future, a high quality education is an essential cornerstone for a robust city; and
WHEREAS, No one is more deserving of our admiration and respect than extraordinary teachers, who give generously of themselves each day to educate and inspire our children; and
WHEREAS, For over forty years, Denise Little has helped shape the lives of thousands of Chicago Public School students; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of her career, Denise has held teaching and administrative positions with the Chicago Public Schools, including Hope, Cooper, Ryerson, Frazier, Bontemps, and Hefferan schools. After serving as principal of Hefferan school for over 13 years, Denise became an Area Instruction Officer, and was later promoted to Chief Area Officer, Chief of Schools (Elementary), Chief of Network Quality - Networks Support Office, Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, with the Chief of Staff Office, and finally Chief Operating Officer in the Executive Office; and
WHEREAS, As a daughter of a Chicago Public School teacher, and the product of the Chicago Public Schools, Denise emphasized the power of a strong public school system to be the vehicle for student success; and
WHEREAS, Denise holds an M.A. from Roosevelt University, and has received extensive training through both the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and Harvard University's Public Education Leadership Program; and
WHEREAS, Whether in the classroom or in administration, Denise remained, first and foremost, a teacher who was known for her high expectations for both her students and the adults who serve them; and
WHEREAS, Denise's belief in strong teamwork, a clear focus, and a commitment to high expectations led to the change management process that holds schools accountable for maintaining high standards and implementing a strong instructional program that prepares all students for life, higher education, career and citizenship; and
WHEREAS, After dedicating\her career to the future of Chicago's children, Denise will soon be retiring; and
WHEREAS, Denise will always be remembered as someone who was passionate about children, who pushed for students and parents who do not have a voice, and who always believed that our students can and will meet and exceed the high expectations we hold for' them; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-sixth day of July, 2017, do hereby honor Denise Little for her exemplary service with Chicago Public Schools, we applaud her for her invaluable contributions to the education of Chicago's children, and do hereby offer our warmest and best wishes for a well-deserved and happy retirement; and