Project L.I.F.T. has named Denise Watts, who currently the secondary central zone superintendent for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, as the program's new executive director, officials announced today.

"Denise is a dynamic leader with proven and measurable results in improving teacher effectiveness, enhancing school culture, and increasing student achievement - all terrific attributes she will bring to the 7,500 students in Project L.I.F.T.," said Anna Nelson, a representative of the C.D. Spangler Foundation and co-chair of Project L.I.F.T. "Her passion for eliminating the student achievement gap in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools is inspiring."

Project L.I.F.T. (Leadership and Investment For Transformation) is designed to address the achievement gap in CMS. The program seeks to provide $55 million in private funding over five years, which will support additional services and educational enhancements for students in the West Charlotte corridor, defined as West Charlotte High School and the middle and elementary schools that feed into it.

"I am elated to have the opportunity to lead the groundbreaking efforts of Project L.I.F.T.," said Watts. "I grew up just like many of these kids, so I feel morally and professionally obligated to work towards ending the dual system of education based on a child's zip code."

Watts has also served as a middle school principal and teacher. She was the North Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year in 2008-2009.

Project L.I.F.T. co-chair Richard "Stick" Williams, added, "Denise brings the perfect combination of experience and preparation among a large field of highly qualified candidates. We had qualified applicants from all over the country, and the ideal person was right here in our backyard."

To learn more about Project L.I.F.T., visit fftc.org.

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