News Release

Date: March 20, 2006

Number 06-05

Contact: Nan Powers Varoga, Houston A+ Challenge, 713-658-1881, ext. 14

Houston A+ Challenge Elects New Board Member

The Houston A+ Challenge Board of Trustees has elected Michael Dee as its newest member.

Mr. Dee serves as a managing director of Morgan Stanley in the Houston office with primary responsibility in the Investment Banking Division. Mr. Dee spent over 24 years with Morgan Stanley, including a most recent 12 years overseas in various Investment Banking positions in London, Hong Kong and Singapore.

While in Europe and Asia, Mr. Dee played a key role in major transactions for both governments and corporations in the regions including China, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Asian Development Bank, among others. While most recently stationed in Singapore he served on a number of government-related committees and was also involved in various educational activities, including board memberships at Singapore Management University and the Singapore American School.

In Houston, he is a board member of Teach for America, the Asia Society and the Greater Houston Partnership and the Partnership's Education and Workforce Advisory Committee, as well as the Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Mr. Dee and his wife Shelly have four young children and a deep interest in the importance of education. He received his degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Houston A+ Challenge

Houston A+ Challenge is an independent, public-private education organization working to create lasting improvements in classroom instruction and student achievement. On the web at www.houstonaplus.org.

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