Pendergast District Accepted into Largest-Ever National Network of Innovative School Districts

Pendergast District joins 34 other leading school districts as members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools to advance innovation and excellence in education

Pendergast Elementary School District has been accepted into the League of Innovative Schools (The League), a national network of school districts that connects and supports the nation’s most forward-thinking leaders in education. The League is organized by Digital Promise, a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for every learner by bridging solutions across research, practice, and technology.

Pendergast District was selected from a competitive national pool of applicants based on its educational leadership, demonstrated commitment to excellence, innovative vision for learning, key achievements, and collaborative spirit.

The League of Innovative Schools advances new approaches to learning and leadership, helping districts expand opportunities and improve outcomes for students. By joining, our district gains insights, resources, and partnerships that strengthen our innovation efforts and connect us with the nation’s top school districts, accelerating student success.

Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Superintendent of the Pendergast District, shared her excitement: “We are proud to be selected as a member of the League of Innovative Schools and to be recognized nationally for our commitment to excellence and forward-thinking approaches to education. This opportunity will strengthen our ability to bring innovative practices to Pendergast classrooms, expand learning opportunities for students, and ensure our community continues to benefit from cutting-edge educational leadership.”

Dr. Jennifer Cruz represents the Pendergast District in the League. As a member, she will have access to unique, innovative professional learning opportunities and resources, including:

• cutting edge technology and innovations;
• unique pilot programs for new learning and teaching models that benefit educators and students; 
• continuous learning opportunities, such as year-round learning collaboratives, working groups, implementation cohorts, regional gatherings, and national conferences to build leadership and accelerate transformation;
• regional events, industry conferences, and bi-annual convenings, which feature school visits, and deep-dive breakout sessions; and
• networking opportunities with other forward-thinking education leaders from around the country around key challenges and generating best practices and resources.

The League of Innovative Schools equips superintendents and district leaders to help shape the future of teaching and learning through hands-on opportunities to collaborate, connect, and learn. 

"Education leaders are constantly navigating new challenges, and no one should have to do it alone," said Jillian Doggett, director of network support at Digital Promise. "The League provides superintendents and other district leaders a trusted community where they can share effective strategies, pilot new innovations, and find real-world solutions. It's about collective impact. Together, we're not just innovating; we're shaping the future of public education for students in our districts and across the country."

This year’s 2025-26 cohort of League members is the largest cohort to date, with 35 new district members. The full list of members can be found at digitalpromise.org/districts.

The Pendergast District and the other new League members collectively represent 175 districts across 35 states, and expands its cumulative impact to over 4.4 million students served over time.

For more information on the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, visit: digitalpromise.org/league.

About Digital Promise

Digital Promise is a global nonprofit working to expand opportunity for each learner. We work with educators, researchers, technology leaders, and communities to design, investigate, and scale up innovations that empower learners, especially those who have been historically and systematically excluded. Our work is done so that every learner can engage in powerful learning experiences that lead to a life of well-being, fulfillment, and economic mobility. For more information, visit the Digital Promise website and follow @digitalpromise for updates.

Media Contact:
Ramiro Alvarez
ralvarez@pesd92.org
623-772-2292