Dear Adelante Families,

I am writing to share an exciting leadership update at Adelante Schools.

After nearly seven years serving as CEO and co-founder of Adelante Schools, I will be stepping away from my role at the end of this school year. It has been the honor of my professional life to lead this community, and I am deeply grateful for your trust and partnership throughout this journey.

After a thoughtful process led by our Board of Directors, we are proud to announce that Mr. Matthew Rooney has been selected as the next CEO of Adelante Schools.

Mr. Rooney is not new to our community — he is the co-founder of Adelante and has helped shape our vision from the very beginning. With nearly two decades of experience in education, he served as the founding principal of Emma Donnan Middle School and most recently has led as our Chief Schools Officer and Chief Mathematics Officer.

His leadership has driven strong academic growth, including double-digit gains in math proficiency, and strengthened the instructional systems that support your children every day. Most importantly, he deeply believes in our mission: ensuring that every child in our community receives an excellent, joyful education that prepares them for a life of opportunity.

Mr. Rooney is the right leader to guide Adelante into its next chapter, and he has included a message below. For the remainder of the school year, we will work closely together to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and commitment to our students. The future is bright, and we are excited for what lies ahead.

¡Adelante!
Edward Rangel

Dear Adelante Families,

I am deeply honored to step into the role of CEO and to continue serving the community we built together.

From the very beginning of Adelante, I have believed in one simple idea: every child deserves an excellent, joyful education — not someday, but now.

I remember standing in the halls of Emma Donnan during our first year, watching students solve problems they once thought were impossible. Their confidence didn’t grow because things were easy — it grew because we believed they could. That belief still drives me.

This work is also personal. Every summer growing up, my family reunions were under the pagoda at Garfield Park — this southside community has shaped me in lasting ways.

Adelante Schools is strong because of our shared commitment to excellence, to one another, and to our children. We will continue rowing in the same direction — focused on strong academics, joyful classrooms, and a future filled with opportunity for every student.

I am optimistic about what we can accomplish together, and I am grateful for your partnership as we begin this next chapter.

¡Adelante!
Matthew Rooney