It was in that pausing that we found our way forward. You will see our report uses the metaphor of "Power Up" to organize what we learned alongside our partners. Just as you do with your familiar electronic devices, you’ll “Rewind” with us as we look back on our impact in this consequential year. In “Pause,” we explore the many ways in which we took moments of reflection and inward examination. Of course, it was not all about pausing in 2020. We turned the "Volume Up" to amplify voice, including those of the heroes of 2020: teachers, classified staff, and the inner voices of leaders which were the guideposts for the difficult decisions and tireless support that ensured students and families stayed fed, connected, and learning throughout the pandemic ordeal.

We share these with you less in triumphant reminiscing and more as a source of inspiration and strength for what remains ahead, for what is possible even in the bleakest of times, and in hopeful expectation of what is to come. These stories are a tribute to the courage, ingenuity, and tenacity of education leaders who held together every community of our state throughout this trying year.