2002 AASA President-Elect Executive Committee Candidates - American Association of School Administrators - Brief Article

School Administrator, Jan, 2002

AASA will elect a president-elect and two members of the Executive Committee in 2002. Ballots will be mailed to all voting members following the National Conference on Education in February. New officers will be installed at the AASA Leadership Conference and officially take office on July 1.

Upon filing, candidates were asked to provide biographical information and to answer a series of questions. The first two questions and answers follow. The candidates' biographical information, which ran in the December issue of the AASA Bulletin, as well as their answers to more specific education-related questions, which will run in the February AASA Bulletin, can be found online at www.aasa.org. In January a candidate video discussion will also be available at AASA Online.

Candidates for AASA President Heet (2 Candidates)

John R. Lawrence

Why are you seeking election to an AASA office?

This nation is blessed with many passionate and dedicated school leaders. We are further fortunate to be represented by an exemplary association in AASA. Yet, AASA, like all organizations, must progressively evolve. We must choose vibrant, experienced and articulate leaders committed to mobilizing all AASA members to fulfill the important mission of serving children.

Many of you contribute greatly to this goal. However, I believe AASA has a larger capacity to impact educational policy and benefit children than it has realized. I seek the presidency of AASA to assist in engaging that potential. If elected, I promise my very best!

If elected, what will be your No. 1 priority?

If I am provided the privilege of service, my first priority will be to telephone every State Association President, each State Executive Director and representative college administrators. By listening, I seek to learn of ways to further enhance our association to the benefit of members and the advocacy of children.

Mary F. Barter

Why are you seeking election to an AASA office?

As leaders, we must work together to influence public opinion and legislative action that will strengthen public schools and their capacity to improve student performance, while we resist pressures that threaten individuality. Having served as superintendent in Minnesota, New York and Colorado, I understand how diverse school districts are. As a member of AASA's Executive Committee, I understand the potential of our organization. I welcome the opportunity to enhance AASA's ability to be an effective advocate for our public schools as well as a valued source of growth and renewal for the school leaders who are key to their success.

If elected, what will be your No. 1 priority?

The leadership of AASA must always be directed toward strengthening the capacity of the public schools and school leaders to meet the needs of students. We must be advocates and problem solvers, demonstrating that the diversity of our schools creates challenges, but also has value in serving the common good.

Candidates for Executive Committee (2 open seats)

Daniel R. Mastrobuono

Donald B. Trombley

Joan P. Kowal

Why are you seeking election to an AASA office?

Election to the AASA Executive Committee provides the responsibility for changing, growing and supporting public education. In that responsibility there is a continuing need to challenge self-serving, negative myths while promoting the practices that have a successful history. As a member of the Executive Committee, I would work to coalesce and publicize the strengths of all types of schools and school districts. With my background in small, rural districts and in urban settings, I have the requisite experience to understand and promote the needed changes for the future. I believe in public education and will seek out other advocates.

If elected, what will be your No. 1 priority?

I will initially focus on encouraging and growing a more positive view of the school administrator. I believe that school administrators must be seen as educational experts. They are courageous experts who continue to try again tomorrow for the learners they supervise. I want to encourage that view.

Why are you seeking election to an AASA office?

I have a deep commitment for strong student achievement. Policymakers have created standards measured by high-stakes testing. AASA must be vigilant that exit testing is not the sole indicator in measuring student learning.

Effective educational leaders are essential if we are to succeed with our schools' children. The best recognize the complexity of leading a school district, acknowledge the differing needs that exist in children and provide the necessary resources to accomplish high achievement.

As an Executive Committee member, I would dedicate my energies to support attracting the best and brightest men and women to become educational leaders.

If elected, what will be your No. 1 priority?

September 11, 2001, has had a profound effect on our nation, leaving an indelible mark on all Americans. AASA, a pre-eminent professional organization, needs to be a powerful force in drawing together public and private sectors to strengthen and support our country's schoolchildren in dealing with monumental new challenges.