Draft:Christopher Norwood

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Christopher Timothy Norwood (born November 13, 1965) is an American community leader, organizer, educator, and elected official. He is best-known for founding the Bay Area Tutoring Association (BATA) and for community service as a member of the Milpitas Unified School District Board of Trustees from 2014 to the present.

BATA is a 501(c)3 non-profit, charitable organization, based in Milpitas, California.

He founded the Bay Area Tutoring Association in 2014 as a response to academic achievement gap, the underrepresentation of a diverse educator workforce in the STEM and CS fields, Californias adoption of the Common Core Standards, and the sunset of No Child Left Behind in 2015.

Norwood previously held positions of CEO of XCEL Educational Services, Senior Business Development Manager for One Touch Global Technologies and co-owner of Alcom Corporation which was a big data start up in the 1990s acquired by Esker Inc., headquartered in Lyon, France.

Following the main objective of Californias Common Core Standards, Norwood formally launched the Bay Area Tutoring Association on January 14, 2014, after more than ten years of development.

Together with tutors, parents, students, community members, grass roots organizations, and business leaders who share a collective desire to invest in the future of the San Francisco Bay Area. BATA shared its expertise with San Francisco Bay Area through intervention, enrichment program development services, one-to-one, small group, and workshop tutoring services. BATA is also involved in parent empowerment programs and standardized test preparation.

He expressed his belief in workforce development, community engagement and parental empowerment, as important factors in transforming the school districts:

"As a parent and education advocate, I'm excited to play an active role in the development of an academic tutoring workforce and parent empowerment organization that will complement our school districts leaders and teachers. Common Core will transform the way students are taught and evaluated. It's vital that Bay Area students, schools and parents are endowed with the tools, programs and complimentary resources they require to embrace and adopt this change."

Early life and education

Christopher Timothy Norwood was born on November 13, 1965 in Spokane, Washington and move to East Oakland, Oakland, California at a young age. He is the son of (Willie Lee Norwood) and (Zenobia Marie Norwood). Norwood has one sister (Sharon Aletha Norwood). Norwood's father was of a military background, while his mother worked for the FMC.

He spent his early years in East Oakland (ages four to seven). He began schooling at 4 ½ years, and excelled in reading and math. In third grade, he moved to Milpitas at the Sunnyhills community, and continued his education, also excelling in athletics. Sunnyhills was the first planned integrated community in the United States. Norwood is of a Christian denomination and graduated with from the first graduating class of William Jessup University (formerly San Jose City College) with a degree in Christian Leadership and Biblical Theology.

Shortly after high school in the 1980s, Norwood became a pioneer in the San Francisco Bay hip hop scene. He co-founded the rap group Chris & Ray. The rap group Chris & Ray emerged during a turbulent time in the San Francisco hip hop scene, with personalities like Davey D and Kevvy Kev taking center stage.  

Norwood's early life and education laid the foundation for his later career and spiritual journey. He graduated from Milpitas High School, where he cultivated diverse interests in technology, English, mathematics, and sports. Continuing his education, he attended West Valley College, focusing on computing and business studies.

While raised in a church-going environment, Norwood's faith became a central aspect of his life as a young adult. He describes a pivotal moment during a 1997 business trip from Australia. Amidst the dot-com boom, he realized a lack of "eternal life plan." This realization spurred him to attend Jubilee Christian Center at the invitation of a friend, where he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He has remained a member of Jubilee Christian Center since. During his time at Jubilee, Norwood also reports experiencing a healing from lifelong asthma.

Driven by a growing faith, Norwood pursued formal theological education. In 2002, he enrolled at William Jessup University (then San Jose Christian College). He graduated with distinction in 2006, earning a degree in Christian Leadership and Biblical Theology. This academic achievement reflected his deepening commitment to his faith and its integration into his life.

Norwood's inclination towards education and mentorship emerged early in his life. He recalls assisting classmates with math problems as a kindergartener, recognizing a nascent desire to tutor, coach, and support others. He views this drive as an expression of his faith, believing that helping others is a manifestation of his purpose.

He emphasizes the universality of tutoring, noting that mentorship takes various forms, from managerial guidance to informal advice. While some may seek alternative academic assistance, Norwood champions the transformative power of direct tutoring.

He considers it a form of "action-based discipleship," applicable to both academic and life skills. He highlights that even brief tutoring interactions can profoundly impact a student's trajectory, whether by addressing academic struggles or expanding their intellectual horizons. This philosophy mirrors the personalized support offered by established tutoring services.

Norwood's passion for education found professional expression in 2002 when he joined XCEL Educational Services as a business consultant. XCEL, a for-profit company specializing in advanced math and science tutoring, provided a platform for him to further develop his educational expertise. He ascended to the role of CEO in 2008, spearheading the company's expansion. Under his leadership, XCEL diversified its service offerings, transitioning from traditional brick-and-mortar tutoring to mobile programs, on-campus initiatives, and online courses, broadening its reach and accessibility.

Despite his success at XCEL, Norwood harbored a vision for a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the Bay Area's youth. He envisioned an entity deeply embedded in the region's cultural fabric, providing transformative educational and mentorship opportunities. In 2013, he felt a compelling call to realize this vision, marking a pivotal moment in his career and a shift towards a more community-focused endeavor. This decision reflected his commitment to leveraging his experience and passion to create a lasting positive impact on the next generation.

Community Involvement and Political Career

Norwood's deep-rooted commitment to the Milpitas community is evident in his multifaceted involvement. Beyond his leadership of BATA, he's a 17-year member of Jubilee Christian Center, has served on the Milpitas Chamber of Commerce Board, and contributes to the Silicon Valley Workforce Education Committee and the American Leadership Forum as a Senior Fellow. His dedication earned him induction into the Milpitas High School Hall of Fame.

This extensive community engagement provided a strong foundation for his entry into educational leadership.

In 2014, Norwood was elected to the Milpitas Unified School District's Board of Trustees, a decision that initially stemmed from an acquaintance's request. While initially hesitant, he ultimately chose to run after consultations with friends and educators, personal reflection, and prayer. He credits former school board president Marsha Grilli's encouragement as a significant factor in his decision.

This journey highlights his evolving understanding of education's power, as encapsulated by Nelson Mandela's quote, "Education is the most powerful weapon in the world." Norwood's interpretation of this quote is unique, emphasizing the protective and purposeful nature of education, rather than a purely aggressive connotation. He recognizes that education, like a weapon, can be used for both good and bad, but ultimately serves to empower and protect. This philosophical perspective informed his approach to school board leadership.

Drawing upon his 20 years of experience in technology and business, his role as a parent, community volunteer, and executive in tutoring organizations, Norwood aimed to positively impact students' lives. His tenure, which included serving three times as Vice President and twice as President, has been marked by significant achievements, including the 68.63% passing of the Milpitas Unified School District's Bond Measure AA. He describes his time on the board as a continuous learning experience, expressing fascination with the daily insights gained about children, schools, and teachers. This ongoing learning and teaching, he says, has been an amazing experience.

The Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) was honored with a Golden Bell Award in 2019. This award, presented by the California School Boards Association (CSBA), recognizes outstanding programs and governance in California public education. The Golden Bell Awards, celebrating their 40th year, aim to promote excellence and acknowledge efforts that address the evolving needs of students.

In 2019, delivered a TEDxMHS talk titled "The WakeUpTour," focused on the concept of unlocking personal potential and embodying positive change. The accompanying video description encourages viewers to watch and share the message.

MUSD received the award at a ceremony during the CSBA Annual Education Conference on December 5, 2019. This conference is a significant event for California school boards, focusing on continuing education and leadership. The award recognized MUSD's "Love4Literacy" program, which aims to improve early literacy skills and reduce educational gaps.

The Love4Literacy program focuses on increasing reading exposure for preschool-aged children, promoting vocabulary and literacy through various materials. MUSD partnered with the Milpitas Library, YMCA, and Health Trust to provide educational events for young children and their families. These events included reading and resource fairs, educational field trips, summer camps, and a kindergarten preparation program. The program aimed to develop a love for literacy and provide parents with resources to support their children's education.

Superintendent Cheryl Jordan highlighted the program's growth and its impact on families, emphasizing the "action-based learning together approach." The selection process for the Golden Bell Awards involved a review of written entries by a panel of experts, followed by on-site evaluations. Winners were chosen based on their efforts in areas such as equity, school climate, technology, and wellness.

The CSBA CEO, Vernon M. Billy, emphasized the importance of recognizing innovative programs that benefit students, stating that the Golden Bell winners serve as examples of success in serving California's public-school students.

Norwood was awarded the 2020 California School Boards Association (CSBA) Board Member of the Year. Receiving the Golden Gavel award, he was recognized for his exemplary leadership and commitment to students and the community since joining the board in 2014. Selected from nearly 5,000 school board members statewide, Norwood, a Milpitas High School alumnus, was lauded for his collaborative approach, dedication to best governance practices, and passion for serving all MUSD stakeholders.

Norwood actively engaged in CSBA professional development programs, applying his knowledge to influence state education policy. He collaborated with organizations like the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, contributing to legislation on math placement and education finance. He also participated in high-profile events, including a panel with former California State Board of Education President Mike Kirst.

His community engagement efforts focused on critical issues such as violence prevention and housing for teachers and vulnerable families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Norwood's leadership proved vital, as he facilitated dialogue and collaboration to address the challenges of food and housing insecurity, the digital divide, and student mental health. He emphasized a "Culture of We," crediting the MUSD governance team for their collective efforts. Norwood accepted the award at the 2020 CSBA virtual Annual Education Conference, acknowledging the significance of the Golden Gavel in recognizing effective boardsmanship.

In the Spring 2021 issue of California Schools, Norwood articulates the role of public education as multifaceted. He believes it should "develop, inspire and challenge the minds of the learners it serves in their discovery of purpose and passion in the pursuit of happiness." He also emphasizes its function in addressing societal needs, fostering cultural and global awareness, promoting anti-racism and empathy, and contributing to economic prosperity. He has publicly stated that recent events have presented opportunities to reform educational systems.

Norwood identifies faith and the potential of children as primary sources of inspiration. He also expresses admiration for individuals who challenge conventional norms. Specific individuals and organizations he credits as influential include his mother, Zenobia Norwood; his wife, Arzee Norwood; the Greene Scholars Program; and The Hidden Genius Project.

Norwood identifies several key challenges facing contemporary schools. These include:

- "comforts of tradition" and "antiquated systemic practices, policies"

- the debate surrounding equity versus equality

- the complexities of school funding formulas.

He also notes that current investments in digital infrastructure and teacher professional development, along with a federal focus on racial equity, present significant opportunities for improvement. He advocates for a regional approach to education to improve national academic rankings.

Norwood describes the role of a school board member as encompassing fiscal management, community liaison work, and representation of various stakeholders. He emphasizes the significant time commitment involved, with numerous meetings and decisions impacting lives. He advises aspiring board members to "listen, learn and lead," and to "Be the work. Do the work. Love the work. See the results."

Bay Area Tutoring Association

Chris Norwood is the founder of the Bay Area Tutoring Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. It serves students from kindergarten through college across Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz counties.

The Bay Area Tutoring Association was established through a collaborative effort involving Dr. Jarvis Sulcer, Debra Watkins, Milpitas High School Principal Charles Gary, Robyn Fisher, and Kelly Flanagan. Participating organizations included the California Alliance of Black Educators, the Greene Scholars Program, and RT Fisher Enterprises.

The association's mission centers on closing the achievement gap by providing a range of academic support services. These services include:

• Trained academic coaching for schools and school districts.
• Parent empowerment seminars and webinars.
• Common Core Math Camps and workshops.
• After-school programs.
• Tutoring services.

A key focus of the Bay Area Tutoring Association is to assist students and parents in navigating the transition following the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. The Bay Area Tutoring Association maintains collaborative relationships with various parent networks, private organizations, schools, and school districts. These partnerships reflect a recognized need within these communities for consistent and reliable academic resources. The association positions itself to fulfill this need by providing a range of educational support services.

On October 11, 2024, Norwood spearheaded a collaboration between BATA and the Santa Clara County Office of Education to co-host The Silicon Valley High Dosage Tutoring Summit.

The summit promoted high dosage tutoring as an effective strategy to address educational inequities and improve student outcomes, particularly for underserved populations. It featured a panel of experts from education, research, and policy, and discussed funding opportunities, best practices, and methodology for building a future educator pipeline. The event targeted educators, policymakers, and funders, with a focus on collaborative efforts to implement successful high-dosage tutoring programs.

According to the National Student Support Accelerator, the Silicon Valley opportunity gap is expanding, necessitating the development of a robust educator pipeline and the establishment of strategic funding partnerships.

Participants engaged with higher education thought leaders and researchers, explore novel funding approaches, learn about data-driven technologies and outcomes-based contracting, and forge partnerships to create non-traditional career pathways to mitigate teaching and staffing shortages.

On July 5, 2024, BATA received $15,000 in grant money from Vice President Otto Lee of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. The urgently provided funds marked the formation of the McKinney-Vento Tutoring Pilot Program, Bound for Success.

Recognition

In 2020, Norwood was awarded at the Golden Gavel Awards as Board Member of the Year by the California School Boards Association (CSBA).