5 Outstanding Principals To Be Honored By Time Warner

Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) Chairman and CEO Dick Parsons will highlight the achievements of five exceptional principals in the New York City school system at a reception and dinner in honor of the recipients of TWC's inaugural "Principals of Excellence" Awards on Wednesday, October 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Time Warner Conference Center, Manhattan. Chancellor Joel Klein of the New York City Department of Education will address attendees.

The awards were created by Time Warner to celebrate the leadership of exemplary principals in New York City public schools and continue Time Warner's longstanding commitment to promoting leadership in New York City's public school system. Each honoree- selected by a distinguished panel from more than 350 nominations- will be presented with a $20,000 grant for the school, to be designated for use by the principal, and a $5,000 honorarium, which will go directly to each principal honored.

In announcing that nominations for the awards were open, a TWC statement read: "Every student in the New York City public school system deserves to benefit from the opportunities afforded by a quality education. Fortunately, many in the public and private sectors are contributing to this vital effort to improve our schools and raise the academic achievement levels of students from all backgrounds. At the forefront of this cohort of change agents are the men and women who lead the schools themselves: The Principals.

"The demands placed on the principals of New York City's public schools make their jobs among the most challenging in our nation. Expectations are high and resources are often limited but still these dedicated educators persevere and are achieving real results.

"Recognizing that the same leadership skills that are so valued in our company are also an essential part of managing a successful school, Time Warner has established the Principals of Excellence Awards to celebrate exemplary leaders of New York City public schools. These awards are designed to raise public awareness of the extraordinary skills of principals in the New York City public school system."

"There are many unsung heroes in New York City, and among them are the principals of our public schools. The depth and scope of their jobs is extraordinary," Time Warner Senior Vice President-Corporate Responsibility Lisa M. Quiroz said in announcing the award program's start on May 16. "The Principals of Excellence Awards were created to shine a light on these remarkable leaders and help give our city's principals the recognition they deserve for the critical role they play in the success of their schools and students."

Through the Principals of Excellence Awards, principals are recognized for quality leadership and dedication to the students of the city. The Award recipients have been chosen by Time Warner through a two-step nomination and application process. Selections were based on each principal's outstanding characteristics as a leader and accomplishments in student achievement. In making the selection, Time Warner was advised by a panel of independent education experts.

The awards are open to any principal currently working in a New York City public school- elementary, middle or high school, large, established or new, small school- who has a minimum of three years' cumulative career experience as a New York City public school principal.

Principals were nominated in two ways:

• By their peers: Nominations could be submitted by principals currently working in the public schools and by former principals acting as mentors or in other support roles.

• By the public: Nominations could also be submitted by individuals with direct and current experience working with a principal and school, including a parent or teacher at the school, a leader in the public, private or non-profit sector or a community partner.

The deadline for nominations was June 18. Information on the Awards was disseminated through the New York City Department of Education, the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, and PENCIL.

Each nominated principal received an application package requesting information about the school, letters of recommendation and a written statement by the principal. The deadline for applications was July 31.

Time Warner's philanthropy focuses on education and the arts. Specifically, the company funds programs that support leadership in the public schools, raise academic achievement among middle and high school students from underrepresented backgrounds and nurture creativity and diversity in the arts.

Time Warner Inc. is a leading media and entertainment company, whose businesses include interactive services, cable systems, filmed entertainment, television networks and publishing.