Pat and Mike Koldyke Honored at School of Rock

In 2007, San Miguel Schools created the "Leadership in Education Award" to recognize and celebrate the support and commitment of its recipients in improving education reform in Chicago's most challenging communities.  This year, we are honored to present this award to Pat and Mike Koldyke, long-time proponents of education in Chicago. Beyond their generous support of San Miguel over the years, the Koldyke's have made major strides in education most prominently through founding the Golden Apple Foundation in 1985, and the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) in 2001.

The Golden Apple Foundation recruits, prepares and mentors outstanding prospective teachers and provides high quality professional development opportunities. In addition, together with WTTW-Channel-11, the Foundation sponsors the Golden Apple Awards each year. Through the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program, over 800 Scholars have graduated and are teaching in Illinois schools, and the retention rate for graduate Scholars remaining in teaching is 93%. Both Pat and Mike remain involved with the Foundation, currently serving as members of the board of directors.

In the early 1990s Mike chaired the Chicago School Finance Committee when Mayor Daley successfully convinced the state legislature in Springfield to allow Chicago Public Schools to be solely accountable to the Mayor's office. It was from this fertile field of education reform that the idea for AUSL grew roots. AUSL, a not-for-profit teacher preparation and school turnaround management organization, works in partnership with Chicago Public Schools to effect the transformation of underperforming schools. AUSL transforms schools by completely overhauling them without relocating students. Students return in the fall to renovated facilities, a new curriculum, new leadership and staff, and an entirely new culture of success. AUSL currently operates 14 schools in Chicago. Seven are teacher training academies and seven are turnaround schools. Pat and Mike's commitment to education goes beyond the organizational into their hearts and home.

Since 2005 and starting with San Miguel Schools, the Koldykes have sponsored students from inner-city schools for a trip to the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez, Colorado, followed by a four-day stay at their ranch in Las Vegas, New Mexico. At Crow Canyon, students are involved in programs that integrate many subject areas including science, social studies, history, cultural studies, environmental science, math, geography, art, and language arts. At the Charles R Ranch, the kids learn horsemanship - from the care and feeding of horses to an actual trail ride. They campout under the stars and learn the history of the Santa Fe Trail. Students have been quoted as saying that "the trip changed their lives."

Pat and Mike Koldyke have been leaders in education reform in Chicago, the State of Illinois, and the nation. They have changed education in a systemic way, to fix the broken public school system for all children of Chicago, not just the few that attend San Miguel. Through their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, they have inspired educators and students, and have made a lasting impact on the educational landscape. Pat and Mike have four children and eight grandchildren. Their son, Laird, is a former Board Member of San Miguel, and he and his wife, Dede, have been San Miguel supporters for over a decade.