Caroline Novak

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As a member of the charter class of Leadership Alabama, Caroline learned about the depth of Alabama’s challenges in education, and the role citizens played in organizing efforts to improve education in states such as Kentucky. Caroline challenged her class to promote excellence and equity for all children in our state. Caroline and her classmate, Bill Smith, chairman of Royal Cup Coffee, launched A+ in 1991 with the support of committed Alabama educators and other business and civic leaders.

The A+ message that we can succeed with the right mix of high expectations, support for educators and students, and accountability for all stakeholders has helped to build strong partnerships throughout the state. Caroline believes that we can create opportunities for all Alabama students to pursue their dreams by ensuring that we are constant learners ourselves. She has worked diligently to build support for improving schools and develop programs to actually deliver support to educators and students through the Alabama Best practices Center and A+ College Ready.

Although Caroline retired as founding President of A+ Education Partnership in February of 2019, she remains part of the team, serving as Senior Advisor. To stay connected to national resources and local issues, she serves on the boards of the Education Commission of the States, the Southern Regional Education Board, the Business Council of Alabama, Sterling Bank, and Leadership Alabama.