Thank you to The Washington Post for telling the story of Susan Schaeffler’s 25 year dedication to KIPP DC. From our earliest days in a church basement to becoming a network that today educates 7,500 students from almost every ward in DC, Susan’s leadership has been at the heart of it all. We are deeply grateful for her service, her love for our community, and the foundation she’s built for the future. We’re excited for the next chapter as she passes the torch to our current President, Shannon Hodge, who will continue this legacy with care and vision.
Founder & CEO | Transforming DC youth outcomes through education, sports, & strategic partnerships | 24K students inspired over two decades
Today I shared with the KIPP DC community that I will transition out of the CEO role in February 2026 and into a Special Advisor role. After nearly 25 years, it is an honor to reflect on the work we have done together — growing from one school in a church basement to a network serving 7,500 students across Washington, D.C. I am proud of what we’ve built: joyful, rigorous schools; a strong and enduring community; and a belief in our students that guides everything we do. I am equally proud that our Board has named Shannon Hodge, our current President, as the next CEO of KIPP DC. Shannon is an exceptional leader, and I have full confidence in her ability to guide KIPP DC’s next era. Thank you to every educator, family member, student, alumni, and partner who has been part of this journey. I am grateful for your trust and excited for what comes next. https://lnkd.in/eqGjdjSh