“Michelle Rhee will bring demonstrated excellence backed by enormous energy and commitment to the national discussion on school reform. What she did in Washington, D.C. was game changing, which is precisely what the country needs — bold leadership that is unafraid to put students first, regardless how controversial that may prove to be to those who continue to protect a status quo that fails children.”

“Having spent the decades fighting to improve public education in California, I know firsthand the challenges that exist in our schools. It's imperative that we address these issues head-on and provide our young people with the quality education they need to compete in the global marketplace. Michelle and her new organization, StudentsFirst, will seek to put the focus back where it belongs — on kids. I look forward to seeing her work progress and am confident that she will be successful. That's why I take the pledge.”

“Michelle Rhee is on the right track with StudentsFirst. Students and their families should never be trapped in failing schools. Ensuring that all parents have options for their children is of critical importance. She’s doing the right thing by reaching into the community to work with the relevant constituencies — the educators, parents, administrators, concerned citizens — to join her in what will surely be a transformative campaign for education reform.”

“Michelle Rhee is back — bolder and even more committed and determined than ever! If education is the civil rights issue of our time then we must forge a new and ever more vibrant movement to march to the beat of this new drum: a beat which puts our students first and declares 'ya basta' ( enough!) with status quo! I am proud to march shoulder to shoulder with Michelle Rhee and millions of parents and children as we launch this latest chapter in our pursuit of the American Dream and education equality for all. Si se puede — yes we can!”

“African American children in public schools systems throughout the country, including Los Angeles, are at the bottom of all overall indices of educational success. Clearly it has been proven repeatedly that African American children can succeed in the classroom regardless of economics and other life obstacles. But innovation is required. It is time for collective outrage and coordinated movements, like StudentsFirst, to finally change the paradigm and help ensure that all children are provided with a quality education. We have seen firsthand in Los Angeles and across the nation how bureaucracy and politics can get in the way of doing the right thing for our children. We look forward to working with StudentsFirst to hold public officials and all of us accountable for giving our children the education they deserve.”