ACPS welcomed a new Director of School, Business and Community Partnerships last month.
Anthony “Kurt” Huffman, who recently moved from Ohio with his family, brings a wealth of experience in education and partnerships to the position. He served as a teacher, principal and curriculum coordinator in the Columbus, Ohio area for 20 years and as senior director of school and community partnerships at the Center of Science and Industry for six years. He also taught undergraduate classes at Columbus State Community College and graduate-level courses at Ohio Dominican University.
“I knew early in my career how an involved community could significantly impact the success of my students. I quickly explored innovative and creative ways to engage those community and business members and have made that a goal of mine in every education position I have had throughout my career,” said Huffman.
The new Office of School, Business and Community Partnerships, which is a new position this school year, includes the FACE Center and all grant opportunities. Huffman will provide leadership with our ACPS funded partners, other ACPS partners, volunteers, grant supported activities, ACPS community funded facilities projects and our Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council.
“We are really excited to have Mr. Huffman in this role, with his considerable range and depth of experience in education and partnerships. The Office of School, Business, and Community Partnerships represents opportunities for ACPS. Mr. Huffman’s work is key in expanding ACPS’ efforts to increase opportunities to cultivate relationships and collaborate with partners for the benefit of our students, staff and community to ensure that every student succeeds,” said Superintendent Alvin L. Crawley.
Huffman is a firm believer that in order to truly strive for the success of every student and create a path for lifelong learning, it is essential that all the pieces of a learning ecosystem (home, school, after-school programs and community) work together in alignment and harness the unique contributions of all these components to help our young people achieve at their highest level of potential.
“This position provides an opportunity for me to be part of that ecosystem and continue my passion of working with the community and schools to help identify gaps and opportunities and grow meaningful partnerships to support the ACPS 2020 strategic plan,” said Huffman.
A native Virginian and proud Washington Redskins fan, Huffman resides in Alexandria with his wife and college-age son. The move has enabled him to reconnect with his Virginia area roots and take advantage of the rich city life and outdoor adventures the DC metro area has to offer.