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Kiddom Launches Vanguard Advisory Board of National Education Leaders to Help Reimagine U.S. Education Systems

Business Wire

Thu, February 19, 2026 at 3:58 AM GMT+9 4 min read

Distinguished group of former superintendents, federal leaders and education innovators will guide Kiddom’s expansion and learning intelligence technology strategy

SAN FRANCISCO, February 18, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kiddom today announced the launch of the Kiddom Vanguard Advisory Board, a bold group of nationally recognized education leaders, practitioners and stakeholders. The newly assembled Vanguard will work closely with Kiddom’s co-founders and executive leadership team to reimagine education systems nationwide. The Vanguard will help guide the company’s expansion strategy and accelerate the impact of Kiddom’s learning intelligence platform in states, systems and school communities.

“Kiddom Vanguard represents the pulse of the education landscape,” said Ahsan Rizvi, CEO and Co-Founder of Kiddom. “We’ve assembled a group of powerful, passionate leaders who have shaped education systems at the highest levels. They offer deep-rooted insight and national reach that will guide, challenge and elevate our work, driving critical change for districts, teachers and students nationwide.”

“After decades working across federal, state and local education systems, I believe we are at one of the most consequential moments for the future of learning,” said John Danielson, Chair of the Kiddom Vanguard. “Schools are under immense pressure to accelerate learning, support teachers and make smarter technology investments. Kiddom is tackling one of the most important challenges in education: bringing coherence to the systems educators depend on every day. I’m proud to lead this exceptional group in helping guide work that will have a meaningful nationwide impact for children and their schools.”

Meet the Founding Members of the Kiddom Vanguard

Kiddom’s inaugural Vanguard Advisory Board includes seven leaders with decades of combined experience across education systems, public policy and learning innovation:

**John Danielson****, Chair:** Former Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, Danielson brings deep federal leadership as well as state and local education policy expertise. In addition to serving two U.S. Presidents and three U.S. Secretaries of Education, Danielson serves as Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA, and on the boards of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy, the AfterSchool Alliance and StandardsWork.

**Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige****:** Executive leader and strategic advisor with more than 30 years of experience across transportation, education, workforce development, and economic inclusion. She has advised Fortune 500 companies, technology start-ups, and U.S. mayors, and just recently completed her term on the Board of Regents for Texas Southern University, where she served as Second Vice Chair following her appointment by Governor Greg Abbott.

**Eloy Oakley****:** Nationally recognized higher education leader and a champion for equity in higher education. President & CEO of the College Futures Foundation, former Chancellor of the California Community Colleges system, Regent Emeritus for the University of California, and senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

**D****an Katzir****:** Founding Managing Director of The Broad Foundation, former CEO of a major California charter school organization, and former COO of Teach for America, Dan brings deep expertise in education leadership best practice and the effective operation of national education initiatives.

**Dan Weisberg****: **First Deputy Chancellor of New York City Public Schools and former CEO of TNTP, with over 20 years of experience in academic strategy, building strong management teams and leading implementation of system change.

**John Bailey****:** Leading expert at the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, having served as the second Director of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education, Deputy Policy Director at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the White House official. He is a Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and advises investors and philanthropies on AI.

**Kaya Henderson****: **Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Rising Generations Center at the Aspen Institute, renowned former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, Teach for America alum and a nationally respected advocate for student equity and system transformation.

**Heath Morrison****:** CEO of Teachers for Tomorrow, former President of McGraw-Hill Education’s School Group, more than 30 years experience as superintendent in Montgomery ISD (TX), Montgomery County Public Schools (MD), Washoe County School District (NV), and 2012 AASA National Superintendent of the Year. Morrison is recognized for his numerous accomplishments on behalf of students and teachers.

 






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Why the Vanguard Advisory Board was Formed

Schools today face post-pandemic learning recovery, rapid AI adoption, educator shortages, and increasing pressure to demonstrate outcomes while operating within tighter budgets. Districts are actively searching for solutions.

“The Vanguard was created in response to a pivotal moment in education,” said Abbas Manjee, Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer at Kiddom. “If we want to truly redesign education, we have to do it alongside the educators, leaders, and communities doing the work every day. There is no other path that truly prioritizes and enables equity. This group brings the lived experience and perspective needed to help ensure our work supports all students and all classrooms.”

The Vanguard will help Kiddom deepen partnerships with school systems, support policy conversations, influence product innovation, and fuel long-term growth.

About Kiddom

Kiddom (kiddom.co) is the creator of Learning Intelligence Technology, a new category of AI built to support teaching and learning within high-quality instructional materials. Kiddom helps districts streamline planning, delivery, grading, and reporting while delivering actionable insight that supports stronger instruction and deeper student learning.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217637233/en/

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