ÂÜÀòÍøNews and Press Releases/Stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements by subscribing to our RSS.Press ReleaseÂÜÀòÍøUpdateHealth & WellnessLeadership DevelopmentNewsSourcewellAccess & OpportunityE-RateTechnology & AIDistrict & School OperationsAdvocacy & PolicyLearning 2025 urn:uuid:068923c2-0554-4518-aa4d-65db6680f981/news-media/news/2025/03/08/aasa-scholarships-awarded-to-top-graduate-students Press ReleaseÂÜÀòÍøScholarships Awarded to Top Graduate StudentsSeven of the nation’s outstanding graduate students in educational administration have been selected to receive scholarships.Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:35:52 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong style="color:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Alexandria, Va. &ndash; March 8, 2025 -&nbsp;</strong><a target="_blank" href="/home">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, is pleased to announce that seven of the nation&rsquo;s outstanding graduate students in educational administration have been selected to receive scholarships. </p><p>The ÂÜÀòÍøEducational Administration Scholarship was created in 1949 to provide incentives, recognition and financial assistance to outstanding graduate students in school administration who intend to make the school superintendency a career. ÂÜÀòÍøselects recipients on the basis of their experience and excellence in school administration, personal essays and recommendations from university faculty. </p><p>Each beneficiary received a $2,500 scholarship given in honor of AASA&rsquo;s former executive directors &mdash; Sherwood D. Shankland, Worth McClure, Finis E. Engleman, Forrest E. Connor, Paul B. Salmon, Richard D. Miller and Paul D. Houston. </p><p><strong>The 2025 scholarship recipients are:</strong> </p><ul><li><strong>Norma G. Garcia</strong> - Director of the multi-language department at Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District in Harlingen, Texas. She is pursuing her superintendent certification at the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas. </li><li><strong>Casey Ngo-Miller</strong> - Assistant superintendent for student services with Newton Public Schools in Newton, Mass. She is pursuing her Ed.D. at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. </li><li><strong>Nelson L. Render</strong> - Executive Officer of secondary schools with Bibb County School District in Macon, Ga. He is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership with a concentration on advanced leadership at Georgia State University. </li><li><strong>Lashon Sanford</strong> - Regional Director (Principal Supervisor) in Region South of Los Angeles Unified School District. She is pursuing a doctorate degree in educational leadership at Azusa Pacific University. </li><li><strong>Arman Sidhu</strong> - Education Policy Resident based in Chandler, Ariz., with ExcelinEd and the founder of iCubed Learning, a nonprofit microschool in Tempe, Ariz. He is pursuing an Ed.D. in leadership and innovation at Arizona State University&rsquo;s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. </li><li><strong>Adina Thea</strong> - Director of elementary language learning and fine arts at Highline Public Schools in Burien, Wash. She is pursuing a doctorate at University of Washington. </li><li><strong>Jesse Yeuk-Hay Tang</strong> - An is serving an intern with Deanne Galdston, superintendent of Watertown Public Schools in Watertown, Mass., in 2024-25 and will be a doctoral resident with Adrienne Battle, superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Tennessee in 2025-26. He is a doctoral student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he is pursuing his Ed.L.D. </li></ul><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA&nbsp;<br /></strong><a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.aasa.org</a>.&nbsp; <strong></strong><strong></strong></p></div>urn:uuid:4cd935ac-36a0-4134-bdca-5b8e5204b7f2/news-media/news/2025/03/08/nashville-tn-superintendent-receives-save-the-music-foundation-award-for-distinguished-support-of-music-education Press ReleaseNashville, TN Superintendent Receives 20th Annual Save The Music Foundation Award for Distinguished Support of Music EducationDr. Adrienne Battle of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, TN, is the 2025 recipient of the Save The Music Foundation’s (STM) 20th Annual Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education.Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:48:45 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><h5 align="center"><strong>Award Presented During AASA&rsquo;s National Conference on Education</strong></h5><p><strong>New Orleans, LA</strong> &ndash; March 8, 2025 &ndash; Dr. Adrienne Battle of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, TN, is the 2025 recipient of the <a href="https://www.savethemusic.org/" target="_blank">Save The Music Foundation&rsquo;s </a>(STM) 20th Annual Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education. </p><p>This prestigious award was presented at the <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/" target="_blank">National Conference on Education</a>, hosted by AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø. </p><p>This award recognizes one superintendent or school district CEO who has exhibited outstanding commitment to restoring music education in his or her district. Dr. Battle was chosen for her unwavering devotion to providing students across the Nashville community with a well-rounded education that includes music.</p><p>&ldquo;Music education is so important to a high-quality education, and I&rsquo;m grateful for everything Save the Music has done to help us grow and improve our instructional program and resources,&rdquo; Dr. Battle said. &ldquo;Our forward-looking Visual and Performing Arts team and our brilliant teachers across the district are so good at helping students see and develop their own musical talents, which fits right into our larger work of making sure every student is known, supported and on a path to success. Thank you to Save the Music for its generous support and for this recognition of our collective efforts.&rdquo;</p><p>Over the past 26 years, STM has supported Nashville&rsquo;s investment in K-12 comprehensive music education across the district with musical instrument and technology grants, music teacher professional development, and ongoing program support, totaling more than $1,700,000 to date. This project is fueled by a strategic partnership with Dr. Battle, who has pledged to ensure every student in the district has equitable access to music education taught by qualified teachers as part of the regular school day.</p><p>&ldquo;Through Superintendent Battle&rsquo;s leadership, all students across music city have the opportunity to express themselves through music making in school,&rdquo; said Jaclyn Rudderow, senior director of school programs for Save The Music Foundation. &ldquo;We are thrilled to celebrate her with this national honor and look forward to our continued partnership.&rdquo;</p><p>Through the Save The Music Foundation grants, 70 MNPS schools have been able to expand their music programs. Students now have access to new instruments and music technology without the worry of financial burden being a barrier to them participating in the arts. </p><p>Past recipients of this award include: Dr. Amy J Carter, superintendent, Meridian Public School District (MS); Christopher Downing, superintendent, Anaheim Elementary School District (Calif.); Elizabeth Lolli, superintendent, Dayton Public Schools (Ohio); Leon Rogers, superintendent, Newark Public Schools (N.J.); Keely Roberts, superintendent, Zion Elementary District 6 (Ill.); Francisco Escobedo, superintendent, Chula Vista Elementary School District (Calif.); Nancy Sarra, superintendent, Consolidated School District of New Britain (Conn.); Kevin George, superintendent, St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools (La.); Russell Freitas, superintendent, Firebaugh-Las Deltas Unified School District (Calif.); Kristi Wilson, superintendent, Buckeye Elementary School District (Ariz.); Reginald Mayo, retired superintendent, New Haven Public Schools (Conn.); Rita Bishop, superintendent, Roanoke City Public Schools (Va.); Kathy L. Kelly, superintendent, Columbia Heights Public Schools (Minn.); Duncan N. P. &ldquo;Pat&rdquo; Pritchett Jr., former superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools (Ind.); John Lange, former superintendent, Adams County School District 14 (Colo.); Carol Johnson, former superintendent, Memphis City Schools (Tenn.) and current superintendent, Boston Public Schools (Mass.); Richard Kaplan, superintendent, New Brunswick Public Schools (N.J.); Eugene White, retired superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools (Ind.); and James A. Williams, former superintendent, Buffalo Public Schools (N.Y.).</p><p>Regarded as the most comprehensive professional learning and networking event for school superintendents and administrators, AASA&rsquo;s National Conference on Education addresses the most critical issues affecting public education today and in 2025 will focus on what school system leaders can do to prepare America&rsquo;s students for bright futures they cannot yet even imagine; from digital literacy and embracing new tech and AI, to ensuring students graduate with the necessary skills they need to thrive in the real world.<br /></p><p align="center" style="text-align:center;">###</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">About Save The Music Foundation:</span></strong></p><p>Save The Music Foundation is the leading U.S. nonprofit dedicated to helping students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. Almost 30 years after its founding as &ldquo;VH1 Save The Music,&rdquo; Save The Music is now a completely independent 501c3, focused on supporting its culturally rich partner communities by investing in music education. Since 1997, the organization has donated over $75M in instruments and resources to more than 2800 schools, impacting millions of students nationwide and counting!<strong> </strong>Learn more at <a href="http://savethemusic.org/">savethemusic.org</a>.<br /></p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">About ÂÜÀòÍø</span></strong></p><p>AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org. </p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">About Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools</span></strong></p><p>Metro Nashville Public Schools is one of the nation&rsquo;s top 50 largest school districts, preparing more than 80,000 students for higher education, work and life. With the goal of being the premier large urban school district in Tennessee and beyond, MNPS wants to ensure Every Student is Known by meeting focused outcomes that will help each child achieve growth from an academic and social-emotional perspective. The governing body for Metro Schools is the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education, a nine-member elected body. For more information, visit MNPS.org, or follow us on Twitter @MetroSchools or Facebook/MetroSchools.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Press Contact: </span></strong></p><p>Save The Music Foundation &ndash; Zack Flores, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications<br />(210) 279-6334, <a href="mailto:zack.flores@savethemusic.org">zack.flores@savethemusic.org</a><span style="font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p><p>AASA, The School Superintendent Association - Lara Wade<br />Director of Communications, 813.833.1498,&nbsp; <a href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a><strong></strong></p>Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools &ndash; Michael Cass - <a href="mailto:Michael.Cass@mnps.org">Michael.Cass@mnps.org</a><p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:a9787d1b-4d9d-4ef9-8ebc-c83a73e3d1ee/news-media/news/2025/03/07/aasa-announces-2025-women-in-school-leadership-award-winners Press ReleaseÂÜÀòÍøAnnounces 2025 Women in School Leadership Award WinnersThese awardees have a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student success, staff development, and innovation in education.Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:06:31 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></p><p><img alt="Women in School Leadership nominees on stage" src="/images/default-source/awards/women-in-school-leadership/women-in-school-leadership-nominees-on-stage.png?sfvrsn=6ea686e4_1" sf-size="100" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span class="note">Women in School Leadership Award nominees on stage at the 2025 ÂÜÀòÍøNational Conference on Education. Left to right: Martha Salazar-Zamora, superintendent, Tomball Independent School District (Texas); Wendy Birhanzel, superintendent, Harrison School District 2 (Colo.); Jennifer Halter, principal, Clay County District Schools (Fla.); Alicen Gaytley, Director of Teaching and Learning, Quincy School District (Wash.)</span></p><p><strong style="color:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></strong><strong style="color:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Alexandria, Va. &ndash; March 7, 2025 -&nbsp;</strong>As part of a long-standing tradition to create more pathways for women who wish to enter the field of education administration, <a target="_blank" href="/home">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 ÂÜÀòÍøWomen in School Leadership Awards. </p><p>The awards, sponsored by Horace Mann and AASA, pay tribute to the talent, creativity and vision of outstanding women educational administrators in the nation&rsquo;s public schools. Today&rsquo;s announcement was made at <a target="_blank" href="/professional-learning/national-conference-on-education">AASA&rsquo;s National Conference on Education</a> in New Orleans, Louisiana. </p><p><strong>The winners for each category are:</strong> </p><h6>Central Office/ Principal Category</h6><ul><li><strong><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/alicen-gaytley">Alicen Gaytley</a></strong>, Director of Teaching and Learning, Quincy School District (Wash.) </li></ul><h6>Superintendent Category </h6><ul><li><strong><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/wendy-birhanzel">Wendy Birhanzel</a></strong>, Superintendent, Harrison School District 2 (Colo.)<strong> </strong></li></ul><p><strong></strong></p><blockquote class="pull-quote">They have a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student success, staff development, and innovation in education.</blockquote><p>&ldquo;Horace Mann is honored to partner with ÂÜÀòÍøto celebrate these outstanding women leaders in education,&rdquo; said Marita Zuraitis, president and CEO of Horace Mann Educators Corporation. &ldquo;We applaud their work to shape the future of education by inspiring future leaders and strengthening educator retention and recruitment.&rdquo; </p><p>&ldquo;The ÂÜÀòÍøWomen in School Leadership Awards were created for amazing leaders like our honorees today,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. &ldquo;They have a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student success, staff development, and innovation in education. It&rsquo;s mission critical to significantly increase the number of women in education administrative positions, and we are proud to recognize these talented educators and showcase their outstanding achievements and contributions. We thank Horace Mann for supporting our program.&rdquo; </p><p><a target="_blank" href="/news-media/news/2024/11/18/aasa-announces-2025-women-in-school-leadership-award-finalists">Award finalists were announced November 18, 2024</a> and evaluated on their leadership in meeting the learning needs of students, personal and organizational communication strength, constant professional improvement of knowledge and skills and active community involvement. </p><p>For more information about the <a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/awards-grants/women-in-school-leadership-awards">Women in School Leadership Awards</a>, please visit the ÂÜÀòÍøwebsite or contact Jennifer Rooney, ÂÜÀòÍøsenior director of meetings and awards, at <a href="mailto:jrooney@aasa.org">jrooney@aasa.org</a>. </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA&nbsp;<br /></strong><a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.aasa.org</a>.&nbsp; <strong></strong></p><p><strong>About Horace Mann</strong><br />Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest financial services company focused on helping America's educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators&reg; in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. </p></div>urn:uuid:114b767f-7c0b-47ba-9a2b-39b9fb853089/news-media/news/2025/03/06/alabama-s-walter-b.-gonsoulin-jr.-named-2025-aasa-national-superintendent-of-the-year Press ReleaseAlabama’s Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. Named 2025 ÂÜÀòÍøNational Superintendent of the Year®Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools in Alabama, has been named the 2025 ÂÜÀòÍøNational Superintendent of the Year®.Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:27:56 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><div><span class="img-right"><img src="/images/default-source/awards/superintendent-of-the-year/walter-gonsoulin-at-podium.jpg?sfvrsn=173c5ddb_1" alt="Walter Gonsoulin at podium" sf-size="100" /></span> <p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; March 6, 2025 </strong>- &nbsp;<a href="/about-aasa/person/walter-gonsoulin" target="_blank">Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr.</a>, superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools in Alabama, has been named the 2025 ÂÜÀòÍøNational Superintendent of the Year&reg;. Today&rsquo;s announcement came at the <a href="/professional-learning/national-conference-on-education" target="_blank">National Conference on Education</a>, hosted by <a href="/home" target="_blank">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>. </p><p>Now in its 38th year, the National Superintendent of the Year&reg; program is co-sponsored by AASA, <a href="https://www.corebridgefinancial.com/rs/employers/about-us" target="_blank">Corebridge Financial</a> and <a href="/about-aasa/partner/sourcewell" target="_blank">Sourcewell</a>, and recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities. &shy;</p><p><strong>The other 2025 National Superintendent of the Year&reg; finalists, named December 16, 2024, are:</strong> </p><ul><li><a href="/about-aasa/person/sharon-desmoulin-kherat" target="_blank">Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat</a>, Peoria Public School District 150, Ill. </li><li><a href="/about-aasa/person/debbie-jones" target="_blank">Debbie Jones</a>, Bentonville School District, Ark. </li><li><a href="/about-aasa/person/david-moore" target="_blank">David K. Moore</a>, School District of Indian River County, Fla. </li></ul><p>&ldquo;Congratulations to Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr., on this well-deserved honor. Mr. Gonsoulin has made an immense impact on the learning communities of Jefferson County and provides an inspirational example of effective leadership in the public school system,&rdquo; said Terri Fiedler, President of Retirement Services at Corebridge Financial. &ldquo;Corebridge is honored to support this long-standing program. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Walter, this year&rsquo;s finalists, and all the State Superintendents of the Year across the country, for their continued commitment and dedication to delivering quality education to our nation&rsquo;s children.&rdquo; </p><p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re thrilled to congratulate Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year&reg;,&rdquo; said Chad Coauette, CEO of Sourcewell. &ldquo;We know superintendents are integral to the success of students and ensure that each learner in their district reaches their full potential. Superintendent Gonsoulin and the three other finalists selected for this recognition represent education excellence. Sourcewell celebrates the contributions these leaders make in creating a solid foundation for students to lead productive and successful lives.&rdquo; </p><p>&ldquo;It is an honor to congratulate Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. of Alabama as the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year&reg;,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. Walter as well as our other three finalists are future-driven ambassadors in their respective learning communities who are empowering their students and staff to lead us into the future and working to ensure that education is an innovative, vibrant and transformative force. I thank Corebridge Financial and Sourcewell for supporting this important program.&rdquo; </p><blockquote class="pull-quote">Walter as well as our other three finalists are future-driven ambassadors in their respective learning communities who are empowering their students and staff to lead us into the future and working to ensure that education is an innovative, vibrant and transformative force.</blockquote><p>Each of the finalists were nominated by their state association and honored with the title of State Superintendent of the Year. The nominees were then measured against the following criteria: </p><ul><li><strong>Leadership for Learning:</strong> Creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system. </li><li><strong>Communication: </strong>Strength in both personal and organizational communication. </li><li><strong>Professionalism: </strong>Constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team. </li><li><strong>Community Involvement: </strong>Active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues. </li></ul><p>A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2025 ÂÜÀòÍøNational Superintendent of the Year&reg; to a student attending the high school from which the superintendent graduated, or the school now serving the same area. </p><p>Access a complete list of the 2025 State Superintendents of the Year, awarded independently by each state association, <a href="https://soy.aasa.org/winners-2025" target="_blank">here.</a> </p><p>For more information about the program, contact Jennifer Rooney, ÂÜÀòÍøsenior director, meetings and awards, at <a href="mailto:jrooney@aasa.org" target="_blank">jrooney@aasa.org</a>. <a href="https://soy.aasa.org/winners" target="_blank">Click here </a>to access a list of the ÂÜÀòÍø2025 State Superintendents of the Year.</p><p style="text-align:center;">###</p><p><strong><strong>About AASA&nbsp;</strong><br /></strong><a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.aasa.org</a>.&nbsp;<strong> </strong><strong></strong></p><strong><p><strong>About Corebridge Financial</strong></p></strong> <p>Corebridge Financial, Inc. (NYSE: CRBG) makes it possible for more people to take action in their financial lives. With more than $400 billion in assets under management and administration as of December 31, 2024, Corebridge Financial is one of the largest providers of retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. We proudly partner with financial professionals and institutions to help individuals plan, save for and achieve secure financial futures. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.corebridgefinancial.com/" target="_blank">corebridgefinancial.com</a> and follow us on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/corebridgefinancial/about/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLKS7ZPjX1nkdUi3pbolphA" target="_blank">YouTube</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/corebridgefinancial/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</p><p><strong>About Sourcewell</strong><br />Sourcewell partners with K-12 schools across North America to deliver streamlined procurement solutions that support student success. With access to hundreds of competitively awarded contracts, schools can efficiently purchase technology, classroom supplies, transportation, and professional development resources while saving time and money. Our trusted cooperative purchasing process ensures compliance and transparency, with contracts delivered through local dealers to strengthen communities. From modernizing classrooms to enhancing student well-being, Sourcewell empowers schools to create enriching learning environments. Focus on what matters most&mdash;empowering students&mdash;while we handle the procurement process with care and expertise. Learn more at <a href="http://www.sourcewell-mn.gov/aasa-k12-buying" target="_blank">www.sourcewell-mn.gov/aasa-k12-buying</a>.</p></div><strong></strong></div>urn:uuid:56a60662-a1d2-49d8-a67e-9a9c08af34a7/news-media/news/2025/03/06/aasa-and-battelle-for-kids-announce-strategic-integration-to-expand-future-ready-learning-efforts-for-public-k-12-students Press ReleaseÂÜÀòÍøand Battelle for Kids Announce Strategic Integration to Expand Future-Ready Learning Efforts for Public K-12 StudentsAASA’s acquisition of Battelle for Kids’ strategic assets and staff ensures long-term sustainability and growth while maintaining the impact of the leading Portrait of a Graduate and Portrait to Practice® design process.Thu, 06 Mar 2025 21:46:28 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org<br /><br data-sf-ec-immutable="" /></a></p></div><div><div><h6 paraid="724516418" paraeid="{e2034dc9-a7d4-4f9a-86a2-6c9143fc6575}{136}">AASA&rsquo;s acquisition of Battelle for Kids&rsquo; strategic assets and staff ensures long-term sustainability and growth while maintaining the impact of the leading Portrait of a Graduate and Portrait to Practice&reg; design process.&nbsp;</h6><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; March 6, 2025 </strong>- <a target="_blank" href="/home">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, announces today its acquisition of strategic assets from <a href="https://www.battelleforkids.org/" target="_blank">Battelle for Kids,</a> a national, not-for-profit organization committed to empowering educators so that every child in every community has the practical and life skills they need to succeed in the real world. The transition will be effective July 1, 2025. </p><p>This integration positions ÂÜÀòÍøfor long-term stability and growth, enabling it to expand its reach and deepen its impact. With increased scalability and broader implementation of <a href="https://www.battelleforkids.org/portrait-of-a-graduate/" target="_blank">Portrait of a Graduate</a> and <a href="https://www.battelleforkids.org/how-we-help/visionary-leadership/portrait-to-practice/" target="_blank">Portrait to Practice<sup>&reg;</sup></a> it strengthens AASA&rsquo;s ability to support educational leaders, enrich professional development opportunities, and foster strategic partnerships. It will also assist in providing high-quality public-school education supports to leaders and learners with student-centered, best in class education systems. </p><p>&ldquo;Battelle for Kids and ÂÜÀòÍøshare a common mission and serve a similar audience, both organizations are dedicated to transforming school systems for educators and students nationwide. That&rsquo;s why I&rsquo;m thrilled to expand and scale the impactful work Battelle for Kids has championed,&rdquo; said Dr. David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA. &ldquo;As a lifelong educator and former superintendent, I look forward to advancing this work even further&mdash;creating greater opportunities and pathways for every student, in every community.&rdquo; </p><p>With the integration of Battelle for Kids assets, ÂÜÀòÍøis enhancing its support for school communities, furthering its commitment to advancing high-quality public education for all students. It will heighten AASA&rsquo;s role in national education discussions, expand access to professional development and foster even more innovation in the field. </p><p>&ldquo;We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead with the strategic integration into AASA,&rdquo; says Mike Duncan, CEO of Battelle for Kids. &ldquo;Dr. David Schuler&rsquo;s vision and commitment to preparing future-ready students fits perfectly with the work BFK has led for more than a decade around Portrait of a Graduate, Portrait to Practice&reg; and the EdLeader21 network. By joining forces with AASA, the work of Battelle for Kids will be amplified, spread, and scaled at an even greater level, impacting more students and communities nationwide.&rdquo;</p><blockquote class="pull-quote">As a lifelong educator and former superintendent, I look forward to advancing this work even further&mdash;creating greater opportunities and pathways for every student, in every community.</blockquote><p>This move assists ÂÜÀòÍøin serving school leaders and districts nationwide, leveraging the best of both organizations to drive data-driven innovation, leadership development and best-practice learning models ensuring that students emerge from high school ready for real life, in the real world. ÂÜÀòÍøprovides the "how" and &ldquo;who&rdquo; through leadership and advocacy, while Battelle for Kids&rsquo; framework delivers a researched based "what" with innovative solutions and research based best practices. The synergy results in a stronger influence on educational policy and practice, leveraging AASA's policy expertise and Battelle for Kids' practical solutions. </p><p>Battelle for Kids remains committed to delivering high-quality support and partnership to its current clients, honoring all existing contracts. Throughout the integration process with AASA, which will take place from March to June 2025, the organization will ensure a seamless transition while maintaining its standards of excellence. </p><p>To learn more about the integration and follow updates on its progress, visit <a href="http://www.battelleforkids.org/" target="_blank">www.battelleforkids.org</a> and <a target="_blank" href="/home">www.aasa.org</a>. </p><p><strong><strong>About AASA&nbsp;</strong><br /></strong><a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.aasa.org</a>.&nbsp;<strong> </strong><strong></strong></p><strong><p><strong>About Battelle for Kids</strong></p></strong> <p>Battelle for Kids is a national, not-for-profit organization helping to empower educators so that every student has hope, resilience, and the knowledge and skills to be future-ready. BFK has helped hundreds of school districts and state agencies design, launch, and bring their shared community visions&mdash;the Portrait of a Graduate&mdash;to life, impacting the learning experiences of millions of students nationwide. For more information, visit <a href="http://bfk.org/" target="_blank">bfk.org</a></p></div><strong></strong></div>urn:uuid:0b085f13-097a-4d7d-8911-f53a8320d490/news-media/news/2025/02/27/contribute-to-aasa-s-new-blog-series-5-years-later-lessons-innovation-and-the-future-of-public-education ÂÜÀòÍøUpdateContribute to AASA’s New Blog Series: 5 Years Later: Lessons, Innovation, and the Future of Public EducationÂÜÀòÍøis seeking contributors for a new blog series exploring how public education has evolved in the five years since the pandemic, highlighting resilience, innovation, and the path forward.Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:02:39 Z<div><p>ÂÜÀòÍøis introducing a new blog series, <strong><em>5 Years Later: Lessons, Innovation, and the Future of Public Education</em></strong>&nbsp;to explore how PreK-12 education has evolved and what lessons we carry forward. This series will highlight the resilience, creativity, and strategic adaptations that have redefined public education since the pandemic. </p><p>We are actively seeking contributions from superintendents, district leaders, educators, and researchers to share their experiences, best practices, and bold ideas that are shaping the future of our schools and communities.<br /><br /></p></div><h6><strong>Scope of the Series</strong></h6><div>The blog series will feature contributions from superintendents, district leaders, educators, and researchers who will share insights, best practices, and visionary perspectives on the future of public education.&nbsp;<br /><br /></div><div>Through real-world examples, reflections, and research-based analysis, the series will aim to:<br /><br /></div><ul><li>Examine how learning acceleration strategies have evolved.</li><li>Highlight innovations in student and staff well-being, mental health, and engagement.</li><li>Explore the role of technology in reshaping education.</li><li>Discuss leadership and policy shifts that have emerged in response to the crisis.</li><li>Envision the future of public education with a focus on resilience and innovation.</li></ul><h6><strong>Focus Areas for Contributions<br /></strong></h6><div><strong><span class="highlight">Focus Area: Learning Acceleration, Student Growth and Enrollment Innovation<br /></span></strong><br /></div><div>For this focus area, we're seeking thoughtful narratives from district leaders who have moved beyond the narrative of "learning loss" to forge paths toward academic recovery and growth. Share your district's journey of <strong>reimagining student support and acceleration</strong>. How has your district transformed challenges into opportunities for <strong>innovative learning</strong>? We're particularly interested in learning about the <strong>moments that sparked creative solutions</strong>, the partnerships that made progress possible, and the <strong>tangible impact</strong> you've witnessed in your students' educational journeys. Tell us how your academic initiatives and student success stories have helped maintain or grow enrollment by demonstrating the unique value of public education in your community.<br /><br /></div><div><strong><span class="highlight">Focus Area: Staffing and the Educator Workforce<br /></span></strong><br /></div><div>For this focus area, we seek insights on innovative<strong> strategies for recruiting, retaining, and empowering educators</strong>. How have districts adapted staffing models to address shortages and support teacher well-being? What professional development initiatives have been most effective in<strong> equipping teachers for success</strong> in today&rsquo;s classrooms? Share your experiences with <strong>mentorship programs, alternative pathways to certification, and strategies to cultivate a strong and resilient workforce.&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /></div><div><span class="highlight"><strong>Focus Area: Well-Being and Learning<br /></strong></span><br /></div><div>For this focus area, we invite stories from educators and district leaders who have prioritized student and educator well-being. How have you <strong>fostered a culture of mental health awareness, engagement, and wellness</strong>? Share <strong>successful initiatives, partnerships, and strategies</strong> that have enhanced mental and emotional learning and created supportive school environments. We are particularly interested in approaches that <strong>promote student and staff well-being and sustainable engagement, increase resilience, and sense of belonging in school communities.</strong><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><strong><span class="highlight">Focus Area: Technological Transformation<br /></span></strong><br /></div><div>The pandemic accelerated digital learning in unprecedented ways. For this focus area, we seek insights on <strong>how technology has transformed instruction</strong>, <strong>expanded access to learnin</strong>g, and changed the way educators and students interact. How has your district leveraged EdTech for long-term success? Share your experiences with <strong>bridging the digital divide, implementing innovative teaching tools, and reimagining classroom instruction with technology.</strong><br /><br /></div><div><strong><span class="highlight">Focus Area: Leadership in Innovation and Strengthening Community Connections<br /><br /></span></strong></div><div>Over the last five years, school leaders have embraced new ways to foster innovation, strengthen community connections, and advocate for students&mdash;even in politically divisive times. In what ways have superintendents refined their approach to communicating across differences while engaging with diverse stakeholders? We invite<strong> reflections from superintendents and district leaders on how leadership responsibilities have shifted, the importance of building authentic community connections, and how best to mobilize a wide range of stakeholders toward common goals to support students.&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /></div><div><span class="highlight"><strong>Focus Area: The Future of PreK-12 Education</strong></span><br /><br /></div><div>Looking ahead, <strong>what will define the next era of public education</strong>? For this focus area, <strong>we seek bold ideas and forward-thinking strategies</strong> from education leaders who are shaping the future of schools. What <strong>long-term changes have emerged from the pandemic</strong>? What new approaches will drive belonging, innovation, and resilience? S<strong>hare your vision for the future of education and how schools can prepare for new challenges and opportunities.</strong></div><div><br /></div><h6><strong>Become a Contributor!</strong></h6><div>If you have a compelling story, research-based insight, or innovative strategy to share, we invite you to contribute to this series. The deadline to express interest is <strong>March 21, 2025.<br /></strong><br /></div><p><a href="https://form.asana.com/?k=iS4Uz82d6C2KXUsTrqSqgg&amp;d=1190117139682703" target="_blank"><span class="button button--action">Submit Interest Today</span></a></p><div><p>Throughout the series, we will feature perspectives from leaders across the nation, showcasing the incredible work being done to shape the future of public education.&nbsp;<br /></p></div><div><strong><br />Let&rsquo;s reflect, innovate, and move education forward&mdash;together.</strong></div>urn:uuid:f6bf8ee9-c412-4481-a26b-1be9fa659485/news-media/news/2025/02/18/advancing-student-well-being-through-community-and-care ÂÜÀòÍøUpdateHealth & WellnessVineland Public Schools: Advancing Student Well-Being Through Community and CareHow a New Jersey school system is helping students recover from the mental health effects of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and grow socially and emotionally.Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:56:25 Z<h5 style="text-align:center;">ÂÜÀòÍø| JED District Comprehensive Approach District Spotlight</h5><h6 style="text-align:center;">Vineland Public Schools, New Jersey</h6><img src="/images/default-source/news/vineland-graduates-throwing-caps.jpg?sfvrsn=2295df97_1" alt="Vineland graduates throwing caps" sf-size="100" /><p><br /></p><p><span class="note">In March 2024, The Jed Foundation (JED) and AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, announced the selection of <a href="/news-media/news/2024/03/20/15-school-districts-join-jed-and-aasa-in-transformational-youth-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-program-for-pre-k-12-students" target="_blank">15 school districts</a> to participate in the <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/district-comprehensive-approach/" target="_blank">District Comprehensive Approach (DCA) pilot</a>, a transformative program that guides districts in improving systems of support for pre-K&ndash;12 students&rsquo; emotional well-being.&nbsp; The program, now called the <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/our-work/jed-and-aasa-district-mental-health-initiative/" target="_blank">JED and ÂÜÀòÍøDistrict Mental Health Initiative</a>, is currently enrolling new districts into future cohorts.</span></p><p><span class="note">This is part of a series of posts that will explore each of the 15 districts and their work learning and leading powerful mental health and suicide prevention practices that will benefit students around the country.&nbsp;</span></p><h6>District at a Glance:</h6><p><strong>District: </strong>Vineland Public Schools in New Jersey<br /><strong>Number of Schools:</strong>&nbsp;16<br /><strong>Number of Students: </strong>11,000<br /><strong>About the District: </strong><a href="https://www.vineland.org/" target="_blank">Vineland Public Schools (VPS)</a> is among the 20 largest school districts in New Jersey and serves close to 11,000 students. The district&rsquo;s mission is to ensure a safe, creative, stimulating, and caring environment that promotes self-esteem, sound character, responsibility, and respect for diversity. <strong> </strong><br /><strong>Superintendent: </strong> Alfonso Llano<span class="large"></span></p><p><span class="large"><br />JED and ÂÜÀòÍøasked VPS superintendent Alfonso Llano what the district hopes to accomplish during its time in the program. (Responses have been edited lightly for length and clarity.)</span></p><p><strong><span class="warn">What is your primary reason for participating in the DCA inaugural cohort?</span></strong></p><p>Participating in the District Comprehensive Approach allows our district to establish tools to help our students recover from the mental health effects of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and grow socially and emotionally. We are honored to be chosen as a participating district and to work with ÂÜÀòÍøand JED to assist our students, families, and staff in developing and implementing a comprehensive approach to mental health.&nbsp;</p><span class="img-right"><img src="/images/default-source/news/vineland-students-with-painted-rocks.jpg?sfvrsn=76da409b_1" alt="Vineland students with painted rocks" sf-size="80210" /></span><p><strong><span class="warn">Explain why student emotional well-being is a priority for you, your district, and your community.</span></strong></p><p>Because of the high poverty level where VPS is located, as well as its rural location, our district has limited resources &mdash; and the resources we do have for students are maxed out with wait lists. </p><p>We know we need to prioritize emotional and psychological well-being so our students can learn and grow academically. Participating in the program means our students will get additional support and services that would not have been available to them otherwise. </p><p><strong><span class="warn">How can students and their families and caregivers benefit from your district participating in this program?</span></strong><strong><span class="warn">? </span></strong></p><p>The additional resources and recommended practices give families more options to support their children&rsquo;s mental well-being. We hope to weave these resources into the family activities that are held at each of our schools.&nbsp;<strong><span class="warn"></span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="warn">Where do you hope to move the needle in your district as it relates to mental health?</span></strong></p><p>Our district does a great job of understanding and addressing mental health challenges, but we can always do better. Participating in this program allows us to continue to grow and add new tools to assist our students. Working with a District Mental Health Specialist also gives us a valuable outside perspective on what we do well and how we can do it even better.</p><p><strong><span class="warn">How does involvement with the DCA program impact public education nationwide?</span></strong></p><p>This partnership shows that nonprofits can join forces with public education to create an action group that benefits all involved.</p><div><strong style="color:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><span class="warn">Where do you hope to be on this journey six months to one year from now?</span></strong></div><p>We hope to provide our support teams and staff members with a better understanding of the supports, services, and resources available to students, along with a wider variety of tools to support student mental health and emotional well-being within the school setting and classroom environment. </p><p><strong>Read about the other school districts participating in the District Comprehensive Approach:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/12/09/prioritizing-mental-health-for-students-and-staff-in-minnesota" target="_blank">Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnesota</a></li><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/10/23/empowering-minds-how-chandler-unified-school-district-is-integrating-mental-health-and-learning">Chandler Unified School District in Arizona</a></li><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/10/01/fargo-public-schools-prioritizes-student-well-being-through-participation-in-dca-program">Fargo Public Schools in North Dakota</a></li><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/05/21/cultivating-care-hardin-public-schools&#39;-commitment-to-student-mental-health">Hardin Public Schools in Montana</a><a href="/news-media/news/2024/10/01/fargo-public-schools-prioritizes-student-well-being-through-participation-in-dca-program"></a></li><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/08/15/supporting-the-whole-child-how-harford-county-public-schools-is-prioritizing-emotional-well-being-and-mental-health-through-the-dca-program">Harford County Public Schools in Maryland</a></li><li><a href="https://jedfoundation.org/dca-district-spotlight-montgomery-county-public-schools/" target="_blank">Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland</a></li></ul><p><a href="/professional-learning/event/2025/09/01/default-calendar/district-mental-health-initiative" class="more" target="_blank">Learn more about the District Mental Health Initiative</a></p>urn:uuid:4d53eee4-189c-49de-b1f2-84c1391f9354/news-media/news/2025/02/14/k-12-leaders-gather-in-new-orleans-for-aasa-s-2025-national-conference-on-education Press ReleaseLeadership DevelopmentK-12 Leaders Gather in New Orleans for AASA’S 2025 National Conference on EducationMore than 4,000 school leaders will gather in New Orleans for NCE 2025 to discuss AI, digital literacy, and the future of education.Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:50:07 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org<br /><br data-sf-ec-immutable="" /></a></p></div><div><div><p paraid="724516418" paraeid="{e2034dc9-a7d4-4f9a-86a2-6c9143fc6575}{136}"><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; February 14, 2025 </strong>&ndash; More than 4,000 K-12 public school superintendents, district administrators and advocates from across the country are gathering in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 6-8 for the <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/?_gl=1%2A1m7xwhm%2A_gcl_au%2ANTU1NzUyMTAxLjE3MzM4NDM1Mzg." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 National Conference on Education (NCE),</a> hosted by <a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="1163488349" paraeid="{e2034dc9-a7d4-4f9a-86a2-6c9143fc6575}{202}">&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="749383312" paraeid="{e2034dc9-a7d4-4f9a-86a2-6c9143fc6575}{206}">&ldquo;Future Driven Leadership&rdquo; is the theme for this year's conference, and it will focus on what school system leaders can do to prepare America&rsquo;s students for bright futures they cannot yet even imagine; from digital literacy and embracing new tech and AI, to ensuring students graduate with the necessary skills they need to thrive in the real world. Attendees will develop a vision for the future of education and anticipate upcoming trends and challenges, as well as opportunities to proactively shape strategies and initiatives to address them.&nbsp;</p><blockquote paraid="749383312" paraeid="{e2034dc9-a7d4-4f9a-86a2-6c9143fc6575}{206}" class="pull-quote"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">The superintendents attending our conference symbolize what it means to lead&mdash;their diligence and hard work creates and maintains a dynamic learning platform where education is not just a system but an innovative, vibrant and transformative force</span></blockquote></div><div><p paraid="1712103382" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{47}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&ldquo;The superintendents attending our conference symbolize what it means to lead&mdash;their diligence and hard work creates and maintains a dynamic learning platform where education is not just a system but an innovative, vibrant and transformative force,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. &ldquo;It is an honor to welcome so many extraordinary leaders to NCE to network and grow their leadership capacity.&rdquo;&nbsp;<br /><br /></span></p></div><div><p paraid="1461540821" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{103}"><strong>Conference keynote speakers and topics include:&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p></div><div><p paraid="1423171293" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{109}">&nbsp;</p></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="ï‚·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{" 335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"ï‚·","469777815":"hybridmultilevel"}"="" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="1862242665" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{113}">Carole G. Basile, Dean, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University - The Future of Our Education Work Force (March 6)&nbsp;</p></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="ï‚·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{" 335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"ï‚·","469777815":"hybridmultilevel"}"="" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="844978307" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{147}">Freeman Hrabowski III, President Emeritus, University of Maryland - Preparing Students to Succeed in a Divided Society: The Power of Leadership, Education, and Stories (March 7)&nbsp;</p></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="ï‚·" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{" 335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"ï‚·","469777815":"hybridmultilevel"}"="" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><p paraid="1587729656" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{167}">Christian Jackson, Entrepreneur and Speaker, Edapt - Leading as AI Architects: Leading the Charge for Lasting District Development (March 8)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></li></ul></div><div><p paraid="1591763427" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{189}">&nbsp;</p></div><div><p role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="1321947034" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{193}"><a href="https://nce.aasa.org/schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>You can see the full education schedule here.</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></div><div><p paraid="1696048232" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{204}">&nbsp;</p></div></div><div><p paraid="81699464" paraeid="{6e97a632-32cb-4ca7-8c67-3d982135b1ad}{208}">NCE will hold various <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/thought-leader-sessions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thought Leader Sessions</a> as well as <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/education-sessions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Educational</a> and <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/roundtable-sessions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Round Table Sessions</a> on Future-Driven Learning Strategies; Generative AI in Education; Live Well, Lead Well; Re-Designing Learning; School Environment and Culture; and School Safety, Finances and Operations.</p></div><div><p paraid="1104094009" paraeid="{3b1ef73a-9e79-4279-bf5e-5a3eceb3f942}{10}">&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="1728302940" paraeid="{3b1ef73a-9e79-4279-bf5e-5a3eceb3f942}{18}">The conference includes an <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/nce-exhibit-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exhibit Hall</a> with an Advocacy Action Center, <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/school-safety-security-learning-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School Safety &amp; Security Learning Lab</a>, and a <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/health-wellness-center/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Health &amp; Wellness Center</a>&nbsp; where conference goers can relax and recharge with yoga, enjoy meeting friendly pups in the dog-petting lounge and burn extra energy by riding a bike while simultaneously making a smoothie.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="576133657" paraeid="{3b1ef73a-9e79-4279-bf5e-5a3eceb3f942}{104}">&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="76686344" paraeid="{3b1ef73a-9e79-4279-bf5e-5a3eceb3f942}{108}">AASA&rsquo;s <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/social-media-lounge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Social Media Lounge</a> is also in the Exhibit Hall, where superintendents and school administrators can enhance their communication skills and attend sessions such as Fostering Mental Wellness and Community Connection Through Social Media, Harnessing AI for District Success: Best Practices for Social Media and Beyond and Tacking Misinformation and Fake News in Public Education.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="991794529" paraeid="{3b1ef73a-9e79-4279-bf5e-5a3eceb3f942}{179}">&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="2102848735" paraeid="{3b1ef73a-9e79-4279-bf5e-5a3eceb3f942}{183}">The <a href="/news-media/news/2024/12/16/finalists-named-for-aasa-s-2025-national-superintendent-of-the-year-award" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 National Superintendent of the Year&reg;</a> winner will be announced on the first day of the conference. Recipients of the <a href="/news-media/news/2025/01/17/two-champions-of-education-equity-will-receive-aasa-humanitarian-award" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award</a> as well as the winners of the <a href="/about-aasa/awards-grants/women-in-school-leadership-awards" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Women in School Leadership Award</a> will also be recognized at NCE.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="1953308345" paraeid="{3b1ef73a-9e79-4279-bf5e-5a3eceb3f942}{244}">&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="1499810510" paraeid="{3b1ef73a-9e79-4279-bf5e-5a3eceb3f942}{248}">Attendees and those interested in the conference can follow AASA&rsquo;s <a href="http://nce.aasa.org/conference-daily-online/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conference Daily Online</a>. The award-winning, multimedia publication is updated each day and provides a comprehensive report on conference proceedings and events, coverage of key speakers, award winners and ÂÜÀòÍøgovernance activities, along with photos, video clips and blog postings.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="1830961125" paraeid="{92585aa1-4580-4f9a-bc28-48420186513a}{6}">&nbsp;</p></div><div><p paraid="1640969278" paraeid="{92585aa1-4580-4f9a-bc28-48420186513a}{10}">For more information about the 2025 National Conference on Education, visit the <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ÂÜÀòÍøwebsite</a>.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /><br /></p></div><div><p paraid="740334402" paraeid="{92585aa1-4580-4f9a-bc28-48420186513a}{25}"><strong>###&nbsp;</strong></p><p paraid="740334402" paraeid="{92585aa1-4580-4f9a-bc28-48420186513a}{25}"><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /></p></div><div><p paraid="1486982930" paraeid="{92585aa1-4580-4f9a-bc28-48420186513a}{31}"><strong>About AASA&nbsp;</strong><br /><a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.aasa.org</a>.&nbsp;</p></div>urn:uuid:ec1607d9-5b73-4365-ba2b-14503aed535e/news-media/news/2025/01/28/aasa-and-national-pta-honor-superintendent-with-inaugural-excellence-in-family-engagement-award Press ReleaseÂÜÀòÍøand National PTA Honor Superintendent with Inaugural "Excellence in Family Engagement Award"ÂÜÀòÍøand the National PTA Honor Superintendent Alex Marrero with Inaugural "Excellence in Family Engagement Award"Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:13:16 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; (January 28, 2025) &ndash;</strong><strong> </strong><a href="/home">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a> and <a href="https://www.pta.org/">National PTA</a> are pleased to celebrate excellence in family engagement by honoring a leader dedicated to family-school partnerships. </p><p><a href="/about-aasa/person/alex-marrero" target="_blank">Alex Marrero</a>, superintendent of Denver Public Schools, has been selected among district leaders across the country to receive the inaugural <a href="/news-media/news/2024/09/26/aasa-the-school-superintendents-association-and-the-national-pta-announce-new-excellence-in-family-engagement-award">Excellence in Family Engagement Award,</a> in addition to $5,000 to support family engagement initiatives. Candidates for the award were judged on their commitment to equity, transformative engagement, capacity-building and results.</p><p>Marrero has implemented best practices and integrated family engagement across strategic plans, budgets, and district infrastructure. He also continually demonstrates a commitment to equitable student outcomes and encourages other school system leaders to contribute to national efforts to sustain public and private funding for family-school partnerships. </p><p><a href="/about-aasa/person/david-schuler">Dave Schuler</a>, AASA&rsquo;s executive director said, "This award honors Alex Marrero&rsquo;s impressive dedication to authentic family engagement and reflects his vision, persistence, strong convictions, and sense of equity and excellence. We congratulate him for his many achievements and look forward to seeing the positive impact he makes on the students and families he serves continue to grow."<br /></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-johnson-0a3a014/">Yvonne Johnson</a>, National PTA president said, "Decades of research shows family engagement is critical to student success and school improvement efforts, and Alex Marrero is dedicated to improving student outcomes by investing in family-school partnerships. We are thrilled to join ÂÜÀòÍøin honoring Dr. Marrero with the inaugural Excellence in Family Engagement Award."</p><p>Marrero will be recognized with the Excellence in Family Education Award during AASA&rsquo;s <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/" target="_blank">2025 National Conference on Education</a>, on March 6 in New Orleans. The award was made possible by funding from Carnegie Corporation of New York and Overdeck Family Foundation.</p><h6>About the Winner:</h6><p><span class="img-left"><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/headshots/alex-marrero.png?sfvrsn=63e81345_1" sf-size="415478" width="200" alt="Alex Marrero" sf-constrain-proportions="true" /></span>Alex Marrero has served as the superintendent of Denver Public Schools since Spring 2021. He oversees Colorado's largest school district with more than 90,000 students and 15,000 staff across over 200 schools, and a budget of $1.45 billion. As the son of a Cuban refugee and a Dominican immigrant, he advocates for the diverse needs of his students.<br /></p><p>Under his leadership, the district achieved its highest-ever graduation rates, increased proficiency rates, and saw the implementation of its first-ever equity-based strategic plan. His efforts raised salaries and established living wages for all employees, while enhancing school safety and cybersecurity. He established the Latine Education Advisory Council to enhance educational outcomes for Latino/Hispanic students, launched the International Educators Institute to aid new international teachers in adapting to the educational system and community and opened six Community Hubs which connect students, families, and community members with free services to increase their economic self-sufficiency and academic success.<br /></p><p>In 2024, he successfully championed the passage of a nearly billion-dollar bond proposal, the largest in Denver Public Schools' history, earning 75% approval and underscoring his ability to galvanize community support. It also demonstrated a shared commitment to enhancing opportunities for every student, educator, and family in the district.<br /></p><p>Marrero&rsquo;s leadership philosophy is centered on empowering every student, regardless of their background, to overcome obstacles and become innovative leaders in their fields, reflecting his personal journey and commitment to educational excellence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p></div><div><strong>About AASA</strong></div><div>AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home" target="_blank">www.aasa.org</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>About National PTA</strong></div><div>National PTA&reg; comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.pta.org/" target="_blank">PTA.org</a>.</div><div><p>&nbsp;</p></div>urn:uuid:d9e9e183-bac5-4b5b-a3f6-0a3fe0c27036/news-media/news/2025/01/27/sourcewell-awards-new-fitness-equipment-with-related-accessories-and-services-contracts NewsÂÜÀòÍøUpdateSourcewellSourcewell Awards New Fitness Equipment with Related Accessories and Services ContractsSourcewell, AASA's government cooperative procurement partner, recently awarded contracts for fitness equipment with related accessories and services.Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:28:37 Z<p><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/sourcewell/sourcewell-and-aasa.png?sfvrsn=1682e5da_1" style="margin-bottom:10px;float:left;" sf-size="5808" class="-align-left" width="400" alt="Sourcewell and AASA" sf-constrain-proportions="true" /></p><p><span style="font-size:15px;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p data-pm-slice="1 3 []">&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 3 []">Sourcewell, AASA's government cooperative procurement partner, <a href="https://hello.sourcewell.org/webmail/993442/707343434/3ecc2809278195ae84e399dc4c1faefa8ab0087c8c5f6c1bb8c102235c6b3eb8#Contract%20category%201" target="_blank">recently awarded</a> contracts for fitness equipment with related accessories and services. The contracts cover things like commercial-grade (or better) individual or group fitness equipment and related accessories, complementary services, including training, calibration, and installation, and more!</p><p data-pm-slice="1 3 []"><strong style="color:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Fitness Equipment with Related Accessories and Services&nbsp;</strong></p><p data-pm-slice="1 3 []">Commercial-grade (or better) individual or group equipment and related accessories for cardio, strength, agility, and mobility training; equipment and related accessories for vocational, exercise, sports rehabilitation, or therapy of joint and muscle injuries; related technology and online or virtual programming; and complementary services, including training, testing, calibration, maintenance, installation, and warranty programs.</p><ul data-pm-slice="1 3 []"><li>Dynamic Fitness &amp; Strength</li><li>EGYM</li><li>Life Fitness LLC</li><li>Precor</li><li>SportsArt Inc</li><li>TRUE Fitness<br /></li></ul><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/sourcewell/athleticaward_sourcewell_020325.png?sfvrsn=d93bfdba_1" sf-size="100" width="600" alt="" sf-constrain-proportions="true" /><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.sourcewell-mn.gov/contract-search" target="_blank"><br />Learn more here</a> and visit the <a href="/district-purchasing-hub/parks-recreation-athletics" target="_blank">District Purchasing Hub</a> to access hundreds of competitively solicited cooperative purchasing solutions for your schools and district.&nbsp;<span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p>urn:uuid:91d518cb-abe1-465c-9e60-0fc3f33d21d8/news-media/news/2025/01/22/sourcewell-awards-new-athletic-and-physical-education-equipment-with-related-supplies-contracts NewsÂÜÀòÍøUpdateSourcewellSourcewell Awards New Athletic and Physical Education Equipment with Related Supplies ContractsSourcewell, AASA's government cooperative procurement partner, recently awarded new contracts for new athletic and physical education equipment with related supplies.Wed, 22 Jan 2025 20:52:12 Z<p><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/sourcewell/sourcewell-and-aasa.png?sfvrsn=1682e5da_1" style="margin-bottom:10px;float:left;" sf-size="5808" class="-align-left" width="400" alt="Sourcewell and AASA" sf-constrain-proportions="true" /></p><p><span style="font-size:15px;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p data-pm-slice="1 3 []">&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 3 []">Sourcewell, AASA's government cooperative procurement partner, <a href="https://hello.sourcewell.org/webmail/993442/707343434/3ecc2809278195ae84e399dc4c1faefa8ab0087c8c5f6c1bb8c102235c6b3eb8#Contract%20category%201" target="_blank">recently awarded</a> new contracts for new athletic and physical education equipment with related supplies. The contracts cover things like equipment for individual and team sports, technology-enhanced equipment, complementary athletic uniforms and event seating solutions and more!<br /></p><p><strong>Athletic and Physical Education Equipment with Related Supplies</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Equipment for physical education, individual and team sports, coaching, and adaptive athletics; indoor and outdoor facility-related athletic equipment; curriculum, assessment, and training tools; technology-enhanced equipment; complementary athletic uniforms, fitness equipment, and event seating solutions; and installation services in connection with the purchase of equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></p><ol><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>Defiant Strength&nbsp;<br /></p></li><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>Draper&nbsp;<br /></p></li><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>Gill Athletics&nbsp;<br /></p></li><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>Gopher Sport&nbsp;<br /></p></li><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>Jaypro Sports&nbsp;<br /></p></li><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>Porter Athletic&nbsp;<br /></p></li><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>Riddell/All American Sports Corp.&nbsp;<br /></p></li><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>School Health&nbsp;<br /></p></li><li data-list-indent="1" data-list-type="bulleted"><p>STEMfinity</p></li></ol><p><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/logos/partners/athletic-contracts-image.png?sfvrsn=8bbfef2_1" sf-size="100" width="600" alt="" sf-constrain-proportions="true" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><a href="https://www.sourcewell-mn.gov/contract-search" target="_blank">Learn more here</a> and visit the <a href="/district-purchasing-hub/parks-recreation-athletics" target="_blank">District Purchasing Hub</a> to access hundreds of competitively solicited cooperative purchasing solutions for your schools and district.&nbsp;<span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p>urn:uuid:668e56e8-cd9c-4c41-a6af-95eaebd22fd9/news-media/news/2025/01/22/aasa-launches-schools-of-thought-blog ÂÜÀòÍøUpdateÂÜÀòÍøLaunches "Schools of Thought" Blog to Advance Public Education LeadershipÂÜÀòÍølaunches Schools of Thought blog to elevate excellence in public education through shared innovation, practical strategies and stories of success.Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:39:07 Z<h4 dir="ltr">New Blog Aimed at Igniting the Spark of Possibility in Public Education</h4><h4 dir="ltr"><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/schools-of-thought-blog/schools-of-thought-web-thumbnail.jpg?sfvrsn=5f803c16_1" style="margin:10px auto;display:block;" sf-constrain-proportions="true" width="300" alt="Schools of Thought Web Thumbnail" class="-align-center" sf-size="37891" /></h4><p dir="ltr">Today, AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, announced the launch of <a href="/resources/schools-of-thought-blog" target="_blank"><em>Schools of Thought</em></a>, a new digital platform dedicated to elevating excellence in public education through shared innovation, practical strategies and stories of success.</p><p dir="ltr">The new blog will serve as an essential resource for district leaders nationwide, focusing on learner-centered approaches and future-driven practices that are reshaping and advancing the promise of America's public schools.</p><p dir="ltr"><strong>The platform will feature:</strong></p><ul><li>Evidence-based strategies from successful district initiatives across the country</li><li>Innovation spotlights on transformational leadership</li><li>Practical resources for implementing learner-centered approaches</li><li>Future-driven solutions to contemporary educational challenges</li></ul><p dir="ltr">District leaders can access <em>Schools of Thought</em> at <a href="/resources/schools-of-thought-blog" target="_blank">aasa.org/blog</a>. If you are interested in contributing a post, please visit AASA&rsquo;s <a href="/resources/schools-of-thought-blog/blog-submission-guidelines" target="_blank">Blog Post Submission Guidelines</a>. Applications for Regular Bloggers will go live in February!</p>urn:uuid:fe9262b5-9481-4e73-935b-ae10eb891a7b/news-media/news/2025/01/17/two-champions-of-education-equity-will-receive-aasa-humanitarian-award Press ReleaseAccess & OpportunityTwo Champions of Education Equity Will Receive ÂÜÀòÍøHumanitarian AwardÂÜÀòÍøhonors individuals who are paving the way for underrepresented leaders in education.Fri, 17 Jan 2025 17:25:31 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; January 17, 2025 &ndash;</strong> AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, is pleased to announce the recipients of the <a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/awards-grants/effie-h-jones-humanitarian-award">2025 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award</a>, an annual recognition of education leaders committed to the advancement and mentorship of women and people of color, and/or addressing social justice issues among children and adults in schools. </p><p>The 2025 honorees were selected for this award because they exemplify the qualities modeled by the late Dr. Effie Hall Jones, a school administrator, teacher, counselor and former ÂÜÀòÍøassociate executive director. </p><h6>The 2025 recipients are: </h6><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/nettie-collins-hart"><strong>Nettie Collins-Hart</strong></a>, superintendent, Hazelwood School District, Florissant, Mo.&nbsp; &nbsp; </li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/alexandra-estrella"><strong>Alexandra Estrella</strong></a>, superintendent, Norwalk Public Schools, Norwalk, Conn.</li></ul><p>&ldquo;These two outstanding individuals continue to break down barriers and build bridges to ensure that the field of educational leadership is richer and more accessible to a wide range of qualified educators &ndash; we honor and congratulate them,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. &ldquo;Dr. Jones, a trailblazer throughout her illustrious career, would have been proud of their unselfish devotion to the students they serve and the communities in which they live.&rdquo; </p><p>Collins-Hart and Estrella will receive their awards during the general session on the first day of <a target="_blank" href="/professional-learning/national-conference-on-education">AASA&rsquo;s 2025 National Conference on Education</a>, which takes place March 6-8, in New Orleans, LA. On day two, the awardees will be honored at the Dr. Effie Hall Jones Memorial Equity Luncheon, which is co-hosted by AASA, the National Alliance for Black School Educators (NABSE) and the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), and sponsored by the Institute for Educational Innovation.</p><blockquote class="pull-quote">These two outstanding individuals continue to break down barriers and build bridges to ensure that the field of educational leadership is richer and more accessible to a wide range of qualified educators</blockquote><h6>About the Honorees</h6><p><span class="img-left"><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/headshots/nettie-collins-hart.png?sfvrsn=5da37065_1" sf-size="231326" width="176" alt="Nettie Collins-Hart" sf-constrain-proportions="true" /></span><strong><span class="large">Nettie Collins-Hart</span></strong><br />Collins-Hart became the superintendent of the Hazelwood School District in 2016 and has created academic acceleration models in five thematic schools, led the opening of a school-based health center, facilitated the development and implementation of the Hazelwood NOW Strategic Plan, expanded early childhood education opportunities districtwide, balanced the $250M budget and successfully advocated for compensation increases across all employee groups. Her current efforts include collaborating with state agencies and local organizations to design and implement equity measures for school districts statewide. Collins-Hart was a teacher for nine years and also has experience as an assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent and college professor. During her tenure, graduating seniors in Hazelwood earned more than $188M in scholarships and volunteered over 200,000 community service hours. Hazelwood School District supports 2,950 staff who serve over 16,000 students representing over 60 countries and nearly 40 languages in North St. Louis County, Missouri. </p><span class="img-left"><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/headshots/alexandra-estrella.jpg?sfvrsn=7c887662_1" sf-size="43737" width="176" alt="Alexandra Estrella" sf-constrain-proportions="true" /></span> <p><strong><span class="large">Alexandra Estrella</span></strong><br />Estrella is a first-generation Latina-American with more than 27 years of experience in education. As Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools, she championed educational equity, created opportunities for students and fostered diverse leadership. As an advocate for systemic change, Estrella is committed to eliminating barriers that limit student potential. Her leadership focuses on addressing disproportionalities in data and embedding equity, excellence, and inclusion across the district. In 2021, she introduced the role of Deputy Superintendent of Excellence, Equity, and Inclusion to drive these efforts. Under her guidance, the district has implemented multi-year professional learning workshops for the School Board, administrators, and staff to advance equity and inclusion. Through mentorship and advocacy, she uplifts diverse voices, modeling equity and excellence for future leaders. Her work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and her passion for equity reflects both a professional commitment and a personal mission. </p><p>For additional information about the Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award, contact Bryan Joffe at <a href="mailto:bjoffe@aasa.org" target="_blank">bjoffe@aasa.org</a> or visit the <a href="/about-aasa/awards-grants/effie-h-jones-humanitarian-award" target="_blank">ÂÜÀòÍøwebsite</a>. </p><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA</strong><br />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home" target="_blank">www.aasa.org</a>.<strong></strong></p></div>urn:uuid:0a5627ae-071a-4a28-b434-88e08912cefd/news-media/news/2025/01/16/aasa-applauds-fcc-and-recipients-in-first-federal-cybersecurity-pilot Press ReleaseE-RateTechnology & AIÂÜÀòÍøApplauds FCC and Recipients in First Federal Cybersecurity PilotÂÜÀòÍøapplauds the more than 700 schools, districts, libraries and consortia selected as recipients in the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:56:49 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; January 16, 2025 &ndash;</strong> AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, applauds the more than 700 schools, districts, libraries and consortia selected as recipients in the FCC&rsquo;s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. </p><p>Winners hail from all 50 states and include 645 schools and districts, 50 libraries, and 12 consortia. The pilot will provide $200 million over three years, and helps the recipients cover the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment. </p><p>This pilot is the third and final piece of FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel&rsquo;s &ldquo;Learn without Limits Initiative&rdquo; a three-prong solution for closing the homework gap &ndash; Wi-FI on school buses, Wi-Fi hot-spot lending, and the cybersecurity pilot program. </p><p>&ldquo;Making sure our students have access to all the opportunities of the digital world has been a cornerstone of my time at the Commission. It is also vitally important that this access is cybersecure,&rdquo; said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. &ldquo;This issue touches every state in every region of our country, including on Tribal lands, and that range of experience is reflected in the participants announced today. Through this program, we will be able to provide our federal, state, and local government partners with actionable data about the most effective and coordinated way to address the growing cyber needs of schools and libraries.&rdquo; </p><p>The first-of-its-kind, three-year pilot empowers E-Rate beneficiaries to explore the use of Universal Service Fund (USF) dollars to improve school and library protection against cybersecurity attacks. The pilot will also generate data the FCC can use to assess not only the effectiveness of various cybersecurity services and equipment in their ability to protect school and library broadband networks and data, but also the feasibility of the USF to support these services and what a longer-term program might look like. </p><p>As districts continue to innovate how they integrate technology into all aspects of teaching and learning, the overall demand for bandwidth in schools continues to grow &ndash; a demand which comes with increased threats of cybersecurity attacks. </p><p>ÂÜÀòÍøExecutive Director David R. Schuler was <a href="/news-media/news/2024/12/19/aasa-executive-director-david-r.-schuler-named-to-usac-board" target="_blank">recently appointed to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors</a>, which oversees the administration of the USF programs, and includes the schools and libraries (E-Rate) program.</p><blockquote class="pull-quote">ÂÜÀòÍøstands behind the E-Rate program&rsquo;s success in ensuring basic connectivity and digital opportunities for all learners.</blockquote><p>&ldquo;ÂÜÀòÍøhas been proud to support the cybersecurity pilot since it was announced in the summer of 2023, and we commend the Chairwoman for her leadership on this important initiative. The E-Rate program, over the last 25 years, has almost single-handedly transformed connectivity for our nation&rsquo;s schools and the students they serve. ÂÜÀòÍøstands behind the E-Rate program&rsquo;s success in ensuring basic connectivity and digital opportunities for all learners. We applaud the FCC&rsquo;s vision to redirect reserved, unused USF funding which moves the needle on cybersecurity support for schools and libraries without undermining connectivity. We look forward to the opportunity to leverage the data and lessons learned from the pilot to create a longer-term federal policy for cybersecurity support for our nation&rsquo;s schools.&rdquo; </p><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA</strong><br />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="/home">www.aasa.org</a>.<strong></strong></p></div>urn:uuid:78016df3-3c78-4958-add2-ab82d9959c48/news-media/news/2025/01/15/capacity-building-grant-will-allow-school-systems-to-become-more-ai-ready Technology & AIÂÜÀòÍøUpdateCapacity Building Grant Will Allow School Systems to Become More AI-ReadyCoSN announced receipt of a new grant to advance the thoughtful and responsible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in K-12 school districts.Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:29:13 Z<p><strong></strong><a href="https://www.cosn.org/">CoSN</a>&nbsp;announced receipt of a new grant to advance the thoughtful and responsible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in K-12 school districts, which was made possible by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gatesfoundation.org/">Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation</a>. The Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education Grant will support training to help school districts assess their readiness to implement generative AI (Gen AI) technologies and develop a roadmap for implementation that aligns with their instructional and operational objectives. Through collaboration with Education Service Agencies (ESAs) and state nonprofit organizations, as well as working with national education associations, CoSN will provide high-quality professional learning opportunities to school districts of all sizes, with a special emphasis on reaching small- and medium-sized school districts that may otherwise have limited access to quality training and guidance, ensuring responsible and effective integration of Gen AI for all.</p><p>This project builds on the success of previous efforts, including the development of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cosn.org/cosn-news/council-of-the-great-city-schools-cosn-launch-k-12-generative-artificial-intelligence-gen-ai-readiness-checklist/">CoSN/CGCS K-12 Generative AI Readiness Assessment</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cosn.org/cosn-news/cosn-unveils-groundbreaking-cosn-cgcs-k-12-gen-ai-maturity-tool/">K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool</a>. Informed by insights from project partners as well as from members of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cosn.org/committee/ai-committee-open-to-all-k-12-members-initiative-sponsors/">CoSN&rsquo;s AI Committee</a>, CoSN will define a process to ensure the Maturity Tool is relevant and accessible to school districts of all sizes and locations, including rural and under-resourced school districts. CoSN will also capitalize on the local reach of ESAs and state nonprofit organizations to ensure the &ldquo;Go to Market&rdquo; strategy reaches all school systems/districts, not simply the largest and most sophisticated. This grant will enable CoSN to build a more scalable model to benefit districts of all sizes.</p><blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote--right">&ldquo;As schools across the country explore how AI can transform teaching, learning and the broader education enterprise, many districts &mdash; especially smaller, under-resourced ones &mdash; are unsure where to begin,&rdquo; said&nbsp;<strong>Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN</strong>.</blockquote><p>&ldquo;As schools across the country explore how AI can transform teaching, learning and the broader education enterprise, many districts &mdash; especially smaller, under-resourced ones &mdash; are unsure where to begin,&rdquo; said&nbsp;<strong>Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN</strong>. &ldquo;This groundbreaking initiative leverages CoSN&rsquo;s national expertise, in partnership with education service agencies, to empower districts to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI in K-12 education. We are especially proud to collaborate with our strategic partners AESA, ÂÜÀòÍøand SETDA on this critical effort.&rdquo;</p><p><strong>Key activities supported by the grant include:</strong></p><ul><li>Training a cohort of 10-20 lead trainers at the national level.<br /></li><li>In partnership with the Association of Education Service Agencies (AESA), hosting four regional Train-the-Trainer sessions to train additional cohorts who, in turn, will provide ongoing training to local school districts, with special emphasis on reaching under-resourced and rural districts.<br /></li><li>Hosting three Gen AI Maturity Summits for district teams targeting medium and large school districts. The summits will focus on building awareness of the CoSN/CGCS K-12 AI Maturity Tool and how it can be used by districts along with resources, insights and strategies for harnessing the power of generative AI.</li></ul><p><strong>Key objectives of the grant include:</strong></p><ul><li>Serving medium and small school districts that lack the capacity and expertise to leverage AI opportunities by engaging ESAs and state nonprofit organizations in a &ldquo;Train-the-Trainer&rdquo; model, delivering professional learning opportunities and shared technical assistance.</li></ul><ul><li>Collecting data on best practices for meeting the local needs of different ESA and state nonprofits&rsquo; operating models to support scaling efforts.</li></ul><ul><li>Conducting a pre- and post-survey of participating district teams to provide baseline data and evaluate their readiness to utilize the Gen AI Maturity Tool.</li></ul><ul><li>Developing a library of resources from CoSN&rsquo;s Gen AI Committee &mdash; with experts from AESA, ÂÜÀòÍø (AASA) and SETDA, the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial education technology leaders &mdash; tied to the Gen AI Maturity Tool, providing evidence and examples of successful Gen AI integration at varying levels of maturity.</li></ul><ul><li>Enhancing networking between ESAs, state nonprofit education organizations, superintendents, state departments of education and CoSN to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing on common successful strategies.</li></ul><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"></span>Lessons learned from these activities will inform the continuous improvement of the &ldquo;Train-the-Trainer&rdquo; model and supporting resources, with a view to making the training available to additional organizations and school districts following the completion of grant-funded activities. By prioritizing trust, transparency, and ethical, responsible, and sustainable implementation, CoSN aims to ensure the safe and effective use of AI technologies in K-12 education.</p><p><em>To learn more about CoSN&rsquo;s work on AI, visit&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.cosn.org/AI"><em>www.cosn.org/AI</em></a><em>.&nbsp;</em><strong></strong><br /></p><div><p></p></div>urn:uuid:4dbf0c60-ce50-4fc5-ae07-58f64bc33022/news-media/news/2025/01/13/aasa-awards-grants-to-school-districts-across-the-nation Press ReleaseDistrict & School OperationsÂÜÀòÍøAwards Grants to School Districts Across the NationSixteen districts awarded funds to improve learning from the ÂÜÀòÍø| Sourcewell Helping Kids Mini Grants program.Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:26:18 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>Mobile: (813) 833-1498&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; January 13, 2025 &ndash;</strong> <a href="/home">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, announced today the recipients of the 2025 <a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/awards-grants/helping-kids-mini-grant-program">Helping Kids Mini Grants</a>, a program funded by AASA, and supported by its government cooperative procurement partner, <a href="https://www.sourcewell-mn.gov/" target="_blank">Sourcewell</a>. </p><p>This year, $40,000 in funds have been distributed to 16 school districts to improve learning in two ways - reimagining and advancing existing district infrastructure and making upgrades for flexible and contemporary educational facilities. </p><p>&ldquo;ÂÜÀòÍøis thrilled to be able to support public school districts. We pride ourselves as the premier national organization of service for the education community, and it&rsquo;s part of our fabric to help provide opportunities for districts to better themselves and their communities,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. &ldquo;Sourcewell is an integral part of making this program available, and we thank them for their partnership, which speaks volumes to their unparalleled commitment to school communities nationwide.&rdquo; </p><h6>For 2025, the following school districts were chosen to receive the ÂÜÀòÍø| Sourcewell Helping Kids Mini Grants:</h6><ul><li><a href="https://www.adams12.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Adams 12 Five Star Schools</strong></a><strong>, Thornton, Colo.</strong> <br />Superintendent&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Christopher Gdowski<br /></li><li><a href="https://www.baldwinschools.org/"><strong>Baldwin Union Free School District</strong></a><strong>, Baldwin, N.Y.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Shari Camhi<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.sau74.org/" target="_blank">Barrington School District</a>, Barrington, N.H.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Deannah Rae<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.bertrandvikings.org/" target="_blank">Bertrand Community School District #54</a>, Bertrand, Neb.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Nicole LeClaire<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.biddefordschools.me/" target="_blank">Biddeford School District</a>, Biddeford, Maine</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Jeremy Ray<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.glendiveschools.com/" target="_blank">Glendive Public Schools</a>, Glendive, Mont.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Stephen Schreibeis<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.greenbrierschools.org/" target="_blank">Greenbrier Public Schools</a>, Greenbrier, Ark.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Kelli Martin<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.isd728.org/" target="_blank">ISD 728 Elk River Area Schools</a>, Elk River, Minn.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Daniel Bittman<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/" target="_blank">Johnston County Public Schools</a>, Smithfield, N.C.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Dr. Eric Bracy<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://texas.legacytraditional.org/" target="_blank">Legacy Traditional Schools</a>, San Antonio, Texas</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Dr. Sylvia Mitchell<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.lewis.k12.mo.us/" target="_blank">Lewis County C-1 School District</a>, Lewistown, Mo.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; John French<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.lin-wood.org/" target="_blank">Lincoln-Woodstock Cooperative School District</a>, Lincoln, N.H.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Mary Steady<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.maps124.org/" target="_blank">Milford Area Public Schools #124</a>, Milford, Ill.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; John Klaber<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.gozeps.org/" target="_blank">Noble Local School District</a>, Sarahsville, Ohio</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Justin Denius<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.nebobcats.org/" target="_blank">Northeastern School District</a>, Manchester, Pa.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Dr. Jason Bottiglieri<br /></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.scsd303.org/" target="_blank">Stevenson-Carson School District</a>, Stevenson, Wash.</strong> <br />Superintendent &ndash; Ingrid L. Colvard </li></ul><p>Since 2012, ÂÜÀòÍøand Sourcewell have worked together to create the mini-grant program. For additional questions, please contact Leigh Hines at <a href="mailto:leigh.hines@aasa.org">leigh.hines@aasa.org</a>. </p><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA</strong><br />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="/home">www.aasa.org</a>.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>About Sourcewell</strong><br />Sourcewell partners with K-12 schools across North America to deliver streamlined procurement solutions that support student success. With access to hundreds of competitively awarded contracts, schools can efficiently purchase technology, classroom supplies, transportation, and professional development resources while saving time and money. Our trusted cooperative purchasing process ensures compliance and transparency, with contracts delivered through local dealers to strengthen communities. From modernizing classrooms to enhancing student well-being, Sourcewell empowers schools to create enriching learning environments. Focus on what matters most&mdash;empowering students&mdash;while we handle the procurement process with care and expertise. Learn more at <a href="https://sourcewell-mn.gov/aasa-k12-buying" target="_blank">sourcewell-mn.gov/aasa-k12-buying</a>.</p></div>urn:uuid:c7737adc-5c96-45c5-b3d4-13ea9c5a83c4/news-media/news/2025/01/10/national-superintendent-of-the-year-finalists-discuss-top-priority-education-issues-during-panel-in-washington-d.c Press ReleaseNational Superintendent of the Year® Finalists Discuss Top-Priority Education Issues During Panel in Washington, D.C.School-to-career pipeline, political challenges, academic scores, school choice, the incoming administration, cell phones and the use of new tech and AI were among key topics covered by AASA’s 2025 National Superintendent of the Year® Finalists.Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:34:02 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><div><strong>Contact:</strong></div><div>Lara Wade&nbsp;</div><div>Director of Communications</div><div>(813) 833-1498 (cell)&nbsp;</div><div><p><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong>Jan. 10, 2025 - Washington, DC</strong>-&nbsp;School-to-career pipeline, political challenges, academic scores, school choice, the incoming administration, cell phones and the use of new tech and AI were among key topics covered by AASA&rsquo;s 2025 National Superintendent of the Year<sup>&reg;</sup> Finalists as they reflected on the dynamic roles of superintendents, upcoming opportunities and lessons learned.&nbsp; </p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><em>Education Week&rsquo;s</em> </span> <a href="https://www.edweek.org/by/olina-banerji" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;white-space:inherit;">Olina Banerji</a> <span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"> moderated the panel which was held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. before a packed audience that included ÂÜÀòÍøleadership and staff, local advocates of public education and education media.&nbsp;</span> </p></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The four finalists, <a target="_blank" href="/news-media/news/2024/12/16/finalists-named-for-aasa-s-2025-national-superintendent-of-the-year-award">announced December 16, 2024</a> are:</strong></p><ul><strong></strong><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/sharon-desmoulin-kherat"><strong>Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat</strong></a>, Peoria Public School District 150, Ill. </li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/walter-gonsoulin"><strong>Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr.</strong></a>, Jefferson County Schools, Ala. </li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/debbie-jones"><strong>Debbie Jones</strong></a>, Bentonville School District, Ark. </li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/david-moore"><strong>David K. Moore</strong></a>, School District of Indian River County, Fla.</li></ul><img src="/images/default-source/awards/superintendent-of-the-year/soy-finalists-2025.png?sfvrsn=692123ff_1" alt="Debbie Jones, Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, David K. Moore" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">From L to R: Debbie Jones, Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, David K. Moore.</figcaption><div><h6 role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></h6><h6 role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><strong>STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT:</strong></h6><p role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">"Kids aren&rsquo;t going to come to school just for math and literacy. They come for social relationships, culinary arts, PE, or to build a plane. As superintendents, we have to think beyond academics." - <strong>Debbie Jones, Bentonville School District, Ark.&nbsp;</strong></span></p><h6 role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">REALITIES OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS:</span></strong></h6><p role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">"</span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">In Peoria, we reimagined education to address teacher shortages and inequity. Today, our middle schoolers have greater access to advanced coursework like Algebra 1." - <strong>Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Peoria Public School District 150, Ill.</strong></span></p><h6 role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">LEADING IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT:</span></strong></h6><p role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">"I don&rsquo;t have a particular problem with school choice. I have a problem that public schools have been left out of the conversation. For the previous two years, my school district put $4 million a year to provide that school choice. And I challenged them to look at allowing us to compete for the money that funds school choice. All of us&mdash;homeschool, charter schools, public schools&mdash;should be in that competitive process, and then we have to show that we&rsquo;re sustaining it." - <strong>Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr., Jefferson County Schools, Ala.</strong></span> </p><h6 role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">SCHOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY:</span></strong></h6><p role="heading" aria-level="6" paraid="11368832" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{178}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">"Transformation in public education begins with a clear understanding of what works and what doesn't. To move forward, we have to stop doing what isn&rsquo;t effective. This means eliminating programs that don&rsquo;t lead to high-paying, high-demand jobs, and focusing resources on areas that truly prepare students for the future. As we look at career pathways, we have to think about jobs that don&rsquo;t even exist yet and ensure our students are prepared for that uncertainty. Public education needs to be strategic in designing programs that lead to industry certifications, and we must be willing to change course when something isn&rsquo;t working. This is the bold, intentional work that is necessary for real transformation in our school systems." - <strong>David Moore, School District of Indian River County, Fla.</strong></span> </p></div><div><p paraid="621059703" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{210}">&nbsp;</p><p paraid="621059703" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{210}">This award, co-presented by AASA, <a href="https://www.corebridgefinancial.com/rs/employers/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corebridge Financial</a>, and <a href="/about-aasa/partner/sourcewell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sourcewell</a>, recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities. The 2025 National Superintendent of the Year&reg; will be announced during AASA&rsquo;s <a href="http://nce.aasa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Conference on Education</a>, March 6-8, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana.</p><p paraid="621059703" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{210}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">You can access the complete list of the 2025 State Superintendents of the Year, awarded independently by each state association, </span> <a href="https://soy.aasa.org/winners-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;white-space:inherit;">here</a><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">.</span></p><p paraid="621059703" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{210}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">For more information about the program, visit </span> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/awards-grants/national-superintendent-of-the-year" style="font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;white-space:inherit;">AASA&rsquo;s website</a> <span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"> or contact Jennifer Rooney, ÂÜÀòÍøsenior director, meetings and awards, at </span> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="mailto:jrooney@aasa.org" style="font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;white-space:inherit;">jrooney@aasa.org</a><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">.&nbsp;</span></p><h6 paraid="621059703" paraeid="{3e4f1ed3-67ad-43aa-980c-a0aaa33fbd59}{210}"><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"><strong>You can watch the full briefing here:</strong></span></h6><div data-sf-ec-immutable="" contenteditable="false" style="width:640px;height:360px;"><div data-sf-disable-link-event=""><div sf-youtube-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXRzmV8xnlI"><iframe frameborder="0" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RXRzmV8xnlI?v=RXRzmV8xnlI&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aasa.org&amp;widgetid=1"></iframe></div></div></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA</strong><br />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="/home">www.aasa.org</a>.</p><p><strong>About Corebridge Financial</strong><br />Corebridge Financial, Inc. (NYSE: CRBG) makes it possible for more people to take action in their financial lives. With more than $410 billion in assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2024, Corebridge Financial is one of the largest providers of retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. We proudly partner with financial professionals and institutions to help individuals plan, save for and achieve secure financial futures. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.corebridgefinancial.com/" target="_blank">corebridgefinancial.com</a> and follow us on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/corebridgefinancial/about/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLKS7ZPjX1nkdUi3pbolphA">YouTube</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/corebridgefinancial/">Instagram</a>.</p><p><strong>About Sourcewell</strong><br />Sourcewell partners with K-12 schools across North America to deliver streamlined procurement solutions that support student success. With access to hundreds of competitively awarded contracts, schools can efficiently purchase technology, classroom supplies, transportation, and professional development resources while saving time and money. Our trusted cooperative purchasing process ensures compliance and transparency, with contracts delivered through local dealers to strengthen communities. From modernizing classrooms to enhancing student well-being, Sourcewell empowers schools to create enriching learning environments. Focus on what matters most&mdash;empowering students&mdash;while we handle the procurement process with care and expertise. Learn more at <a href="https://www.sourcewell-mn.gov/k-12-education" target="_blank">sourcewell-mn.gov/k-12-education</a>.</p>urn:uuid:d610de3f-7f35-4b0f-9868-022680956944/news-media/news/2025/01/09/aasa-issues-statement-on-passage-of-the-social-security-fairness-act Press ReleaseAdvocacy & PolicyÂÜÀòÍøIssues Statement on Passage of Social Security Fairness ActÂÜÀòÍøapplauds Congress for the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA).Thu, 09 Jan 2025 20:58:44 Z<div><p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><p><strong>Contact:</strong></p></div><div><strong>Lara Wade</strong></div><div><strong>Director, Communications</strong></div><div><strong></strong><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwade@aasa.org">lwade@aasa.org</a></strong></p><p><strong style="color:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Alexandria, Va. &ndash; January 9, 2025&nbsp;</strong><strong style="color:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&ndash;</strong> <span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;ÂÜÀòÍøapplauds Congress for the passage of the </span><a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/82" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;white-space:inherit;">Social Security Fairness Act</a> <span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"> (SSFA) which was signed by President Biden on January 6.</span> </p><p><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">This legislation reversed longstanding, unfair provisions that impacted our nation&rsquo;s public servants by reducing their ability to receive the Social Security benefits that they worked for. SSFA eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) which reduces earned Social Security benefits of individuals who also receive a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security. WEP impacts teachers in 15 states, adding further challenges to teacher recruitment and dissuading mid-career changers to consider education at a time when school districts need highly qualified educators more than ever.</span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">In addition, SFFA repealed the Government Pension Offset (GPO) which affects the spousal benefits of people who work as federal, state, or local government employees &mdash; including police officers, firefighters, and educators &mdash; if the job was not covered by Social Security.</span></p><p><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&ldquo;The passage of the Social Security Fairness Act means that hardworking educators across the country who have dedicated their lives to supporting the students and schools in their communities are able to receive the benefits and income that they have earned. We are so grateful for the dedicated leadership of Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, and Representative Garret Graves of Louisiana in making this possible.&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, AASA&rsquo;s executive director. &ldquo;We appreciate their commitment and diligence and understand the huge undertaking this legislation required &ndash; we welcome and celebrate the New Year with this extraordinary achievement on behalf of 10,000 school district leaders that we represent.&rdquo;&nbsp;</span> <span style="color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>###</p><p><strong>About AASA</strong><br /><a title="AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø" href="https://aasa.org/home/">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a title="www.aasa.org" href="https://aasa.org/home/">www.aasa.org</a>.</p></div>urn:uuid:c085f6ce-5e5a-47fb-b7d1-15e4ea10b65d/news-media/news/2024/12/19/aasa-executive-director-david-r.-schuler-named-to-usac-board Press ReleaseE-RateAdvocacy & PolicyÂÜÀòÍøExecutive Director David R. Schuler Named to USAC BoardSchuler will represent schools nationwide as the board oversees Universal Service programs, including E-Rate, which connects students and educators to essential broadband access.Thu, 19 Dec 2024 05:00:00 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><p><strong>Contact:</strong><br />Erin McCallum<br />Associate Executive Director, Strategy &amp; Communications<br /><a href="mailto:emccallum@aasa.org">emccallum@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; Dec. 19, 2024 &ndash;&nbsp;</strong>Today, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel named <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/chairwoman-rosenworcel-names-8-members-usac-board-directors" target="_blank">ÂÜÀòÍøExecutive Director David R. Schuler, Ph.D.</a> to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors. </p><p>In this critical role, Dr. Schuler will represent schools nationwide as the board oversees Universal Service programs, including E-Rate, which connects students and educators to essential broadband access. </p><p>Dr. Schuler will serve a three-year term through December 2027, continuing AASA&rsquo;s service on the USAC board, which dates back to 2021. ÂÜÀòÍøhas supported and championed the Universal Service Program, since its creation in the late 1990s. E-Rate is the only federal program supporting technology and connectivity in the nation&rsquo;s schools and has played a huge part in the nearly universal presence of internet in classrooms across the United States.</p><blockquote class="pull-quote">I&rsquo;m excited to work with my fellow board members to ensure programs like E-Rate continue to empower students and educators.</blockquote><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m honored to have been appointed to the Universal Service Administrative Company Board of Directors. Access to broadband connectivity is essential for teaching, learning, and equity in today&rsquo;s world, and I&rsquo;m excited to work with my fellow board members to ensure programs like E-Rate continue to empower students and educators. Thank you to the FCC and Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for this opportunity to serve at such an important time for public education.&rdquo; </p><p>Dr. Schuler&rsquo;s role on the USAC Board is distinct from the advocacy efforts of ÂÜÀòÍøas it relates to working with the Hill and the FCC to support and strengthen the E-Rate and its sister USF programs. </p><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA</strong><br />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="/home">www.aasa.org</a>.</p>urn:uuid:7b010677-9568-46b5-9ad2-4a07c96ef108/news-media/news/2024/12/16/finalists-named-for-aasa-s-2025-national-superintendent-of-the-year-award Leadership DevelopmentPress ReleaseFinalists Named for AASA’s 2025 National Superintendent of the Year® AwardHonorees include superintendents from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Illinois.Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:00:09 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><p><strong>Contact:</strong><br />Erin McCallum<br />Associate Executive Director, Strategy &amp; Communications<br /><a href="mailto:emccallum@aasa.org">emccallum@aasa.org</a></p><h5>Honorees include superintendents from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Illinois</h5><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; Dec. 16, 2024 &ndash;&nbsp;</strong>AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, is proud to announce the four finalists for the prestigious 2025 National Superintendent of the Year<sup>&reg;</sup> Award. </p><p>This award, co-presented by AASA, <a href="https://www.corebridgefinancial.com/rs/employers/about-us" target="_blank">Corebridge Financial</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/partner/sourcewell">Sourcewell</a>, recognizes exceptional superintendents for their outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing public education in their communities. </p><h6>The finalists for the 2025 award are: </h6><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/sharon-desmoulin-kherat"><strong>Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat</strong></a>, Peoria Public School District 150, Ill. </li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/walter-gonsoulin"><strong>Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr.</strong></a>, Jefferson County Schools, Ala. </li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/debbie-jones"><strong>Debbie Jones</strong></a>, Bentonville School District, Ark. </li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/david-moore"><strong>David K. Moore</strong></a>, School District of Indian River County, Fla.</li></ul><p><img src="/images/default-source/news/2025-nsoy-finalists.png?sfvrsn=a2e58f0_1" alt="2025 NSOY Finalists" sf-size="261455" /></p><p>&ldquo;These extraordinary leaders embody the transformative power of public education,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, AASA&rsquo;s executive director. &ldquo;Their visionary leadership is creating dynamic opportunities for students, uplifting communities, and advancing the promise of public education as the foundation of our democracy. We are honored to celebrate their achievements.&rdquo;</p><p>Each of the finalists were nominated by their state association and honored with the title of State Superintendent of the Year. The nominees were then measured against the following criteria: </p><ul><li><strong>Leadership for Learning:</strong> Creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system. </li><li><strong>Communication:</strong> Strength in both personal and organizational communication. </li><li><strong>Professionalism:</strong> Constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team. </li><li><strong>Community Involvement:</strong> Active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national, and international issues. </li></ul><p>&ldquo;Leadership in education is essential to shaping the future, and these finalists exemplify the best of what is possible,&rdquo; said Terri Fiedler, president of retirement services at Corebridge Financial. &ldquo;We are proud to partner with AASA in honoring these inspiring superintendents and their commitment to making a difference for students, educators and families.&rdquo; </p><p>&ldquo;At Sourcewell, we recognize the critical role superintendents play in driving meaningful change in their communities,&rdquo; said Chad Coauette, executive director and CEO of Sourcewell. &ldquo;We are honored to partner with ÂÜÀòÍøin celebrating these finalists, whose tireless work ensures every student has access to a high-quality education.&rdquo; </p><blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote--right">Their visionary leadership is creating dynamic opportunities for students, uplifting communities, and advancing the promise of public education as the foundation of our democracy.</blockquote><p>The four finalists will have an opportunity to meet the national education community during a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. </p><p>The 2025 National Superintendent of the Year<sup>&reg;</sup> will be announced live during <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/" target="_blank">AASA&rsquo;s National Conference on Education</a>, March 6-8 in New Orleans, Louisiana. </p><p>A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year<sup>&reg;</sup> to a student in the high school from which the superintendent graduated or the school now serving the same area. </p><p>For more information about the program, visit <a href="/about-aasa/awards-grants/national-superintendent-of-the-year" target="_blank">AASA&rsquo;s website</a> or contact Jennifer Rooney, ÂÜÀòÍøsenior director, meetings and awards, at <a href="mailto:jrooney@aasa.org">jrooney@aasa.org</a>. </p><p>Access a complete list of the 2025 State Superintendents of the Year, awarded independently by each state association, <a href="https://soy.aasa.org/winners-2025" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA</strong><br />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home" target="_blank">www.aasa.org</a>.</p><p><strong>About Corebridge Financial</strong><br />Corebridge Financial, Inc. (NYSE: CRBG) makes it possible for more people to take action in their financial lives. With more than $410 billion in assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2024, Corebridge Financial is one of the largest providers of retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. We proudly partner with financial professionals and institutions to help individuals plan, save for and achieve secure financial futures. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.corebridgefinancial.com/" target="_blank">corebridgefinancial.com</a> and follow us on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/corebridgefinancial/about/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLKS7ZPjX1nkdUi3pbolphA">YouTube</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/corebridgefinancial/">Instagram</a>.</p><p><strong>About Sourcewell</strong><br />Sourcewell partners with K-12 schools across North America to deliver streamlined procurement solutions that support student success. With access to hundreds of competitively awarded contracts, schools can efficiently purchase technology, classroom supplies, transportation, and professional development resources while saving time and money. Our trusted cooperative purchasing process ensures compliance and transparency, with contracts delivered through local dealers to strengthen communities. From modernizing classrooms to enhancing student well-being, Sourcewell empowers schools to create enriching learning environments. Focus on what matters most&mdash;empowering students&mdash;while we handle the procurement process with care and expertise. Learn more at <a href="https://www.sourcewell-mn.gov/k-12-education" target="_blank">sourcewell-mn.gov/k-12-education</a>.</p>urn:uuid:06512719-5910-4fe1-af3d-ea5d2fc77247/news-media/news/2024/12/09/prioritizing-mental-health-for-students-and-staff-in-minnesota ÂÜÀòÍøUpdateHealth & WellnessMinnetonka Public Schools: Prioritizing Mental Health for Students and Staff in MinnesotaHow a Minnesota school district is proactively enhancing mental health support and foster a culture of well-beingMon, 09 Dec 2024 16:23:45 Z<h5 style="text-align:center;">ÂÜÀòÍø| JED District Comprehensive Approach District Spotlight</h5><h6 style="text-align:center;">Minnetonka Public Schools, Minnesota</h6><img src="/images/default-source/professional-learning/minnetonka-graduates.png?sfvrsn=21405b20_1" alt="4 graduates smiling from Minnetonka Public Schools" sf-size="100" /><p><br /></p><p><span class="note">In March 2024, The Jed Foundation (JED) and AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, announced the selection of <a href="/news-media/news/2024/03/20/15-school-districts-join-jed-and-aasa-in-transformational-youth-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-program-for-pre-k-12-students" target="_blank">15 school districts</a> to participate in the <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/district-comprehensive-approach/" target="_blank">District Comprehensive Approach (DCA) pilot</a>, a transformative program that guides districts in improving systems of support for pre-K&ndash;12 students&rsquo; emotional well-being.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="note">This is the first in a series of posts that will explore each of the 15 districts and their work learning and leading powerful mental health and suicide prevention practices that will benefit students around the country.&nbsp;</span></p><h6>District at a Glance:</h6><p><strong>District: </strong>Minnetonka Public Schools in Minnesota<br /><strong>Number of Schools:</strong> 9<br /><strong>Number of Students: </strong>More than 11,000<br /><strong>About the District: </strong><a href="https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/district/about" target="_blank">Minnetonka Public School District</a> (MPSD) serves 10 communities in western suburbs of the Twin Cities. As part of the state&rsquo;s open-enrollment program, MPSD serves additional students from 45 other Minnesota school districts. The district&rsquo;s mission is to ensure all students envision and pursue their highest aspirations while serving the greater good.<strong> </strong><br /><strong>Superintendent: </strong> <a href="/about-aasa/person/david-law" target="_blank">David Law</a> </p><p><span class="large"><br />JED and ÂÜÀòÍøasked MPSD superintendent David Law what the district hopes to accomplish during its time in the program. (Responses have been edited lightly for length and clarity.)</span></p><p><strong><span class="warn">What is your primary reason for participating in the DCA inaugural cohort?</span></strong></p><p>The positive mental health of both students and staff remains a top priority for our school district. We strive to be proactive, rather than reactive, in our efforts to address the challenges and opportunities our students encounter.</p><p><strong><span class="warn">Explain why student emotional well-being is a priority for you, your district, and your community.</span></strong></p><p>We know that students do better when they feel safe, supported, and connected. We also know that teachers and staff are happier and more productive when they feel respected and supported. Achieving excellence in student well-being, connection, and belonging is a top goal for our district that was set by our school board. As part of the effort to attain this goal, our principals, teachers, and administrators are committed to fostering a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment across the entire school community. </p><p><strong><span class="warn">What does participation in the District Comprehensive Approach mean for the well-being of your students and the culture of your district? </span></strong></p><p>It&rsquo;s an important opportunity for us to learn and grow alongside other innovative and proactive educational and mental health leaders. We are eager to make this investment in new mental health strategies to better engage and support our students.</p><p><strong><span class="warn">How can students and their families and caregivers benefit from your district participating in this initiative?</span></strong></p><p>As we learn from the District Comprehensive Approach how to strengthen mental health supports, we will review and update our existing best practices to better meet the needs of students and their families. We will share what we learn and put new strategies into action that will further benefit our community.</p><p><strong><span class="warn">Where do you hope to move the needle in your district as it relates to mental health?</span></strong></p><p>We continually monitor student mental health through an evidence-based screener that enables students to self-report and staff to provide input and monitor results. Ideally we will see even stronger trends that demonstrate improved mental health and skill-building among our students as a result of our participation in the District Comprehensive Approach. Our school leaders recognize that the times we&rsquo;re living in are challenging. We want our students to feel supported and cared for in our community. We also want them to understand that there are people and resources available to help them when they need it, including counseling staff, social workers, and psychologists, along with additional information in the <a href="https://www.minnetonkaschools.org/district/programs/well-being-guide" target="_blank">Well-Being Guide</a> on our district&rsquo;s website. </p><p><strong>Read about the other school districts participating in the District Comprehensive Approach:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/10/23/empowering-minds-how-chandler-unified-school-district-is-integrating-mental-health-and-learning">Chandler Unified School District in Arizona</a></li><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/10/01/fargo-public-schools-prioritizes-student-well-being-through-participation-in-dca-program">Fargo Public Schools in North Dakota</a></li><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/05/21/cultivating-care-hardin-public-schools&#39;-commitment-to-student-mental-health">Hardin Public Schools in Montana</a><a href="/news-media/news/2024/10/01/fargo-public-schools-prioritizes-student-well-being-through-participation-in-dca-program"></a></li><li><a href="/news-media/news/2024/08/15/supporting-the-whole-child-how-harford-county-public-schools-is-prioritizing-emotional-well-being-and-mental-health-through-the-dca-program">Harford County Public Schools in Maryland</a></li><li><a href="https://jedfoundation.org/dca-district-spotlight-montgomery-county-public-schools/" target="_blank">Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://jedfoundation.org/our-work/jed-and-aasa-district-mental-health-initiative/" class="more" target="_blank">Learn more about the District Comprehensive Approach <em class="fas fa-arrow-right"></em></a></p>urn:uuid:08a3b62c-e04a-41c0-b343-3b33e5f16140/news-media/news/2024/11/18/aasa-announces-2025-women-in-school-leadership-award-finalists Leadership DevelopmentPress ReleaseÂÜÀòÍøAnnounces 2025 Women in School Leadership Award FinalistsÂÜÀòÍøannounces the finalists for the 2025 Women in School Leadership Awards in the Superintendent and Central Office categories.Mon, 18 Nov 2024 13:00:05 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p><p><strong>Contact:</strong><br />Erin McCallum<br />Associate Executive Director, Strategy &amp; Communications<br /><a href="mailto:emccallum@aasa.org">emccallum@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. &ndash; Nov. 18, 2024 &ndash;</strong> AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 Women in School Leadership Awards.</p><p>The awards, presented by ÂÜÀòÍøin partnership with Horace Mann Educators Corporation, recognize outstanding female leaders who have made significant contributions to education in two key categories: Superintendent and Central Office/Principal.</p><p>&ldquo;Horace Mann is proud to partner with ÂÜÀòÍøto recognize the 2025 finalists for the prestigious ÂÜÀòÍøWomen in School Leadership Awards,&rdquo; said Marita Zuraitis, president, Horace Mann Educators Corporation. &ldquo;The passion, dedication, and vision demonstrated by these finalists significantly impacts both students and educators every day.&rdquo;</p><h6>The 2025 Women in School Leadership Award finalists are:</h6><p><span class="large"><strong>Central Office/ Principal Category</strong></span></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/alicen-gaytley"><strong>Alicen Gaytley</strong></a>, Director of Teaching and Learning, Quincy School District (Wash.)</li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/jennifer-halter"><strong>Jennifer Halter</strong></a>, Principal, Clay High School, Clay County District Schools (Fla.)</li></ul><p><span class="large"><strong>Superintendent Category</strong></span></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/wendy-birhanzel"><strong>Wendy Birhanzel</strong></a>, Superintendent, Harrison School District 2 (Colo.)</li><li><a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/person/martha-salazar-zamora"><strong>Martha Salazar-Zamora</strong></a>, Superintendent, Tomball Independent School District (Texas)</li></ul><blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote--right">These remarkable leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, staff development, and innovation in education.</blockquote><p>&ldquo;These remarkable leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, staff development, and innovation in education. We are thrilled to honor their achievements and showcase their outstanding contributions to public education,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA.</p><p>Finalists will be evaluated on their leadership in meeting the learning needs of students, personal and organizational communication strength, constant professional improvement of knowledge and skills, and active community involvement.</p><p>The final award recipients in each category will be announced during the <a target="_blank" href="/professional-learning/national-conference-on-education">2025 ÂÜÀòÍøNational Conference on Education</a>, March 6-8 in New Orleans, Louisiana.&nbsp;</p><p>For more information about the Women in School Leadership Awards, please <a target="_blank" href="/about-aasa/awards-grants/women-in-school-leadership-awards">visit the ÂÜÀòÍøwebsite</a> or contact Jennifer Rooney, ÂÜÀòÍøsenior director of meetings and awards, at <a href="mailto:jrooney@aasa.org">jrooney@aasa.org</a>.</p><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA</strong><br />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="/home">www.aasa.org</a>.</p><p><strong>About Horace Mann</strong><br />Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest financial services company focused on helping America's educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators&reg; in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.</p>urn:uuid:1ac7ff5e-522d-46a9-86a7-5b31b0e2895b/news-media/news/2024/11/13/aasa-member-honored-nationally-as-top-supporter-of-scholastic-journalism ÂÜÀòÍøUpdateÂÜÀòÍøMember Honored Nationally as Top Supporter of Scholastic JournalismThe Journalism Education Association named Michael G. Richards, superintendent of Harrisonburg City Public Schools in Harrisonburg, Va., its 2024 Administrator of the Year at the association’s national convention in Philadelphia on Nov. 9.Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:56:14 Z<figure class="img-right"><img src="/images/default-source/photos/michaelrichards_photo.png?sfvrsn=1a7669bc_1" alt="" sf-size="171546" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Michael Richards and Valerie Kibler</figcaption></figure><p><strong><span class="large"></span></strong><span class="large">The Journalism Education Association named&nbsp;<strong>Michael G. Richards</strong>, superintendent of Harrisonburg City Public Schools in Harrisonburg, Va., its 2024 Administrator of the Year at the association&rsquo;s national convention in Philadelphia on Nov. 9.</span><br /><br />Richards, an ÂÜÀòÍømember since 2023, has supported the school district&rsquo;s high school journalism program by allocating more than $50,000 over the past two years to fund students to participate in national conventions. He also has attended conventions as a chaperone and taught sessions with student editors from Harrisonburg High School.</p><p>JEA President Val Kibler said: &ldquo;Richards comes away from each convention inspired by what we do at Harrisonburg High School and inspired to help other administrators get it. As we began our push for New Voices legislation in Virginia a few years ago, Richards was integral in contacting legislators and making a case for student press rights.&rdquo; Kibler is the adviser of student publications at Harrisonburg HS.</p>urn:uuid:b1a81258-0551-4a5d-b51e-f506e7cb51d9/news-media/news/2024/11/01/aasa-names-fall-2024-lighthouse-school-systems-models-for-educational-innovation-and-change Press ReleaseDistrict & School OperationsLearning 2025ÂÜÀòÍøNames Fall 2024 ‘Lighthouse’ School Systems: Models for Educational Innovation and ChangeSix districts leading transformative education initiatives across the nation honored with prestigious 'Lighthouse' designationFri, 01 Nov 2024 13:20:54 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong> </p><p><strong>Contact:</strong> <br />Erin McCallum <br />Associate Executive Director, Strategy &amp; Communications <br /><a href="mailto:media@aasa.org">media@aasa.org</a> </p><h6>Districts exemplify work of ÂÜÀòÍøLearning 2025 Network and lead transformative education initiatives across the nation </h6><p><strong>Alexandria, VA &ndash; November 1, 2024 &ndash; </strong>AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, is proud to announce the latest school districts recognized as "Lighthouse" systems, serving as exemplars of positive change in public education. </p><p>These selected districts are part of <a target="_blank" href="/professional-learning/learning-2025">AASA&rsquo;s Learning 2025 Network</a>&mdash;a group of more than 130 forward-thinking, learner-centered school systems, including urban, suburban, and rural districts, all united to drive educational policy and enhance student outcomes. </p><p>Building on the foundational work of the ÂÜÀòÍøLearning 2025 National Commission and inspired by the commission's report, <a target="_blank" href="/resources/resource/an-american-imperative-a-new-vision-of-public-schools"><em>An American Imperative: A New Vision of Public Schools</em></a>, the Learning 2025 Network is committed to transforming education, raising student achievement, and ensuring no learner is left behind. </p><p>ÂÜÀòÍøLearning 2025 Lighthouse Systems demonstrate significant growth and serve as models for change in one or more of the following focus areas: </p><ul><li>Social Emotional-Cognitive Growth</li><li>Future-Ready Learners</li><li>Cognitive Growth Model</li><li>Learners as Co-authors</li><li>Diverse Educator Pipeline</li><li>Early Learning</li><li>Technology-Enhanced Learning</li><li>Community Alignment </li></ul><p>&ldquo;These districts are on the forefront of educational transformation, setting powerful examples of what&rsquo;s possible when innovative strategies and student-centered approaches come together,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA. &ldquo;They are not only leading change within their communities but also providing invaluable insights and proven methods from which districts across the country can learn.&rdquo; </p><blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote--right">They are not only leading change within their communities but also providing invaluable insights and proven methods from which districts across the country can learn.</blockquote><p><strong><span class="large">The Fall 2024 ÂÜÀòÍøLearning 2025 Lighthouse Systems are:</span></strong> </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.burrell.k12.pa.us/" target="_blank">Burrell School District</a>, Lower Burrell, Pa.</strong> <br />Area of Focus: Future-Ready Learners <br />Superintendent: Shannon L. Wagner </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.basdk12.org/" target="_blank">Butler Area School District</a>, Butler, Pa.</strong> <br />Area of Focus: Community Alignment <br />Superintendent: Brian White </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.fmschools.org/" target="_blank">Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District</a>, Manlius, N.Y.</strong> <br />Area of Focus: Community Alignment <br />Superintendent: Craig J. Tice </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.nhsd.org/" target="_blank">New Hope-Solebury School District</a>, New Hope, Pa.</strong> <br />Area of Focus: Future-Ready Learners <br />Superintendent: Charles W. Lentz </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.southallegheny.org/" target="_blank">South Allegheny School District</a>, McKeesport, Pa.</strong> <br />Area of Focus: Future-Ready Learners <br />Superintendent: David McDonald </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.tcboe.org/" target="_blank">Talladega County Schools</a>, Talladega, Ala.</strong> <br />Area of Focus: Technology-Enhanced Learning <br />Superintendent: Suzanne Lacey </p><p>The six districts will be honored during a networking breakfast during <a href="https://nce.aasa.org/" target="_blank">AASA&rsquo;s 2025 National Conference on Education</a> in March 2025. </p><p>&ldquo;By highlighting and celebrating these districts&rsquo; stories, we&rsquo;re helping to equip all school systems with the tools and inspiration they need to drive meaningful change and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive,&rdquo; said M. Ann Levett, Assistant Executive Director for AASA. </p><p><strong>Additionally, ÂÜÀòÍøis pleased to recognize the following Fall 2024 Systems to Watch, who are making great strides in Learning 2025 focus areas:</strong> </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.psd401.net/" target="_blank">Peninsula School District</a>, Gig Harbor, Wash.</strong> <br />Area of Focus: Early Learning <br />Superintendent: Krestin Bahr </p><p><strong><a href="https://www.cornellsd.org/">Cornell School District</a>, Coraopolis, Pa.</strong> <br />Area of Focus: Community Alignment <br />Superintendent: Aaron Thomas </p><p><strong>View all previous <a target="_blank" href="/resources/resource/learning-2025-lighthouse-system-vignettes">ÂÜÀòÍøLearning 2025 Lighthouse Demonstration System designees here</a>.</strong> </p><p>The ÂÜÀòÍøLearning 2025 Network aims to empower superintendents and their teams to drive the change and enhance student outcomes in their district and across the country through access to personalized tools, support and opportunities. Learn more at <a target="_blank" href="/professional-learning/learning-2025">aasa.org/learning2025</a>. </p><p><strong>###</strong></p><p><strong>About AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</strong> <br />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="/home">www.aasa.org</a>.</p>urn:uuid:454b8313-0c13-4fbd-804a-a5a247f54d28/news-media/news/2024/10/24/aasa-jed-launch-district-mental-health-initiative-for-k-12-schools Press ReleaseHealth & WellnessÂÜÀòÍøand JED Launch Pioneering District Mental Health Initiative for Pre-K-12 School Districts NationwideDistrict leaders can now enroll in the two-year transformational program designed to enhance mental health systemsThu, 24 Oct 2024 13:23:42 Z<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE </strong><strong></strong></p><p><strong>ÂÜÀòÍøContact:</strong><strong><br /></strong>Erin McCallum<strong><br /></strong>Associate Executive Director, Strategy &amp; Communications <br data-sf-ec-immutable="" /><a href="mailto:emccallum@aasa.org">emccallum@aasa.org</a></p><p><strong>The Jed Foundation Contact:</strong><br />Justin Barbo<br />Director, Public Relations<br /><a href="mailto:justin@jedfoundation.org">justin@jedfoundation.org</a><strong></strong></p><h6 style="text-align:center;">District leaders can now enroll in the two-year transformational program designed to enhance mental health systems.</h6><img sf-custom-thumbnail="true" src="/images/default-source/resources/district-mental-health-initiative-logo-lockup.png?sfvrsn=e823419_1" sf-constrain-proportions="true" width="469" alt="District Mental Health Initiative Logo Lockup" sf-size="100" /><p><strong>Alexandria, Va. and New York, New York&ndash; (October 24, 2024) &ndash; </strong><a href="https://jedfoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Jed Foundation (JED)</a> and <a href="/home" target="_blank">AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, announced today a multi-year partnership to help pre-K&ndash;12 school systems and their leaders make long-term, measurable improvements in student well-being through the <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/our-work/jed-and-aasa-district-mental-health-initiative/" target="_blank">JED and ÂÜÀòÍøDistrict Mental Health Initiative</a>. This landmark initiative, modeled on the proven <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JED-Campus-Impact-Report.Final_.04112024.pdf" target="_blank">JED Campus program</a> and following a successful <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/15-school-districts-join-jed-and-aasa-in-transformational-youth-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-program-for-pre-k-12-students/" target="_blank">pilot phase</a> at 15 school districts within 14 states, is set to transform youth mental health and suicide prevention in school systems across the nation. District leaders are now eligible to apply for the innovative two-year program, designed to support them in fostering the well-being and academic success of the whole child. </p><p>&ldquo;As school leaders, we are responsible for ensuring the well-being of every student, both academically and emotionally,&rdquo; said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø. &ldquo;Through this partnership with JED, we are equipping school leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to build safer, more supportive environments where students can thrive. By addressing mental health at the systems level, we are transforming how we care for the whole child, ensuring that every student is set up for success both in and out of the classroom.&rdquo;</p><blockquote class="pull-quote pull-quote--right">Through this partnership with JED, we are equipping school leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to build safer, more supportive environments where students can thrive.</blockquote><p>Suicide remains the <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JED-Suicide-Trends-Report_June-2024.pdf" target="_blank">second leading cause of death</a> among young people aged 12 to 24. Alarmingly, suicide rates for younger children (ages 5 to 11) increased by nearly <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2760901" target="_blank">15% per year</a> from 2012 to 2017, and rates for preteens (ages 8 to 12) have gone up by approximately <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2024/increases-found-in-preteen-suicide-rate" target="_blank">8% annually</a> since 2008. However, there have been some <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/index.html" target="_blank">improvements in teenage mental health</a> over the last few years, which may be attributable to recent initiatives that more comprehensively address youth mental health and to resources that schools are allocating to address students&rsquo; needs. Given that children and teens spend a significant portion of their lives in school, district-level support is paramount. </p><p>&ldquo;No two school districts are the same and the leaders of those educational systems play a critical role in supporting student mental health, an often overwhelming and monumental task,&rdquo; said Dr. Tony Walker, JED&rsquo;s Senior Vice President of Academic Programs. &ldquo;When students feel connected to their school community, their mental health is positively impacted. Together with JED and AASA, school districts can do just that and improve their mental health support programs while also building a true safety net for all pre-K&ndash;12 students. This program can bring solutions to the unique challenges being experienced by teachers, school counselors, and administrators &mdash; ultimately creating healthier communities where everyone can be seen and thrive.&rdquo;</p><p>"Our participation in the pilot program has laid a strong foundation for enhancing mental health support across our district,&rdquo; said Dr. Rupak Gandhi, superintendent of Fargo Public Schools. "By joining the JED and ÂÜÀòÍøDistrict Mental Health Initiative, school districts will build on existing efforts to promote healthier school environments and further prioritize student well-being and success."</p><p>The <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/our-work/jed-and-aasa-district-mental-health-initiative/" target="_blank">JED and ÂÜÀòÍøDistrict Mental Health Initiative</a> is grounded in the Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention, an evidence-based framework that brings together recommended practices and field expertise. </p><p>During the program, an expert-led team assesses each district&rsquo;s needs and helps them develop and implement a customized strategic plan to enhance the school mental health system. JED&rsquo;s suite of assessments analyzes input from students, principals, staff, and other district leaders to identify the current climate, needs, policies, programs, and practices surrounding student mental health in each district. Then, leveraging their existing strengths, that same dedicated team helps districts to create a strategic plan, and then implement data-driven practices to create a best-in-class school mental health system that fosters truly connected, thriving school communities. </p><p>Access to a larger community of districts and schools nationwide facilitates connection and empowers leaders to learn from peers who are equally dedicated to protecting student mental health. In addition to two years of deep technical assistance, participants also have the opportunity to join monthly professional learning sessions facilitated by school mental health experts with an emphasis on practical application</p><p>JED is dedicated to providing programs to all school districts. To learn more about the fee structure or opportunities for funding the JED and ÂÜÀòÍøDistrict Mental Health Initiative in your school community, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://jedfoundation.org/jed-and-aasa-district-mental-health-initiative/" target="_blank">website</a>. </p><p>###</p><p><strong>About ÂÜÀòÍø</strong><a href="/home"><br data-sf-ec-immutable="" />AASA, ÂÜÀòÍø</a>, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA&rsquo;s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit <a href="/home">www.aasa.org</a>.</p><p><strong>About the Jed Foundation</strong><br />JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation&rsquo;s teens and young adults. We&rsquo;re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We&rsquo;re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We&rsquo;re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.<br />Connect with JED: <a href="http://jedfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://jedfoundation.org/contact-us/">Email</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/jedfoundation" target="_blank">X</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JedFoundation/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jedfoundation/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheJedFoundation" target="_blank">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jed-foundation" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> | <a href="https://www.snapchat.com/add/jed_foundation" target="_blank">Snapchat</a> | <a href="https://pin.it/3HnkjVX" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> </p>