American Association of School Administrators - A Supplement to the School Administrator

School Administrator, Feb, 2003

AASA Executive Committee Election

Following the National Conference on Education in February, AASA members will elect a president-elect and two members of the Executive Committee. All voting members will receive a ballot in the mail. New officers will be installed at the AASA Leadership Conference and officially take office on July 1.

Upon filing, candidates for president-elect -- Donald L. Kussmaul -- and Executive Committee -- Daniel D. Curry, Charles C. Lyle III, Leonard E. Merrell, Kay E. Royster and Eugene G. White -- were asked to provide biographical information and to answer a series of questions about their candidacy and issues facing today's education leaders. The candidates' responses to two of the final three questions are included in this issue of the Bulletin. All of the candidates' responses, along with their bios, can be found at www.aasa.org.

President-Elect Candidate

DONALD L. KUSSMAUL

(Illinois)

Superintendent of Schoois

East Dubuque Unit School

District 119

East Dubuque, Illinois

QUESTION #1 -- What should AASA do to ensure the availability of quality candidates for school district leadership positions?

WE MUST:

* Promote and involve aspiring school leaders in activities of the association.

* Develop partnerships with state affiliates and universities across the country to reach out to aspiring school leaders and to work cooperatively in the development of programming and mentoring for aspiring and beginning school leaders.

* Establish, in cooperation with state affiliates, mentoring corps for administrators by using retired AASA members from states or regions.

* Utilize AASA staff to assist state affiliates in providing incentive legislation and initiatives to promote the development of school leaders.

QUESTION #2 -- What do you recommend as AASA's action priorities for the next 3 years?

WE MUST:

* Keep national legislative issues such as IDEA and REAP on the leading edge while developing legislation to promote school issues that enhance universal proficiency.

* Provide leadership to state affiliates and state departments of education in the establishment of rules and regulations for NCLB that will meet the needs of each state.

* Meet present and future needs of AASA members with the passage and implementation of the new governance model.

* Establish linkages with state affiliates and universities for the promotion and development of quality candidates for school district leadership positions.

Executive Committee Candidates

(Listed in alphabetical order.)

Daniel D. Curry

Superintendent of Schools

Wood County Schools

Parkersburg, West Virginia

Question #1 -- What should AASA do to ensure the availability of quality candidates for school district leadership positions?

AASA needs to partner with others to develop the next generation of leaders. Many who might aspire to the position possess knowledge of educational issues and experience in the field, yet they still don't understand the nuances of the superintendent position. AASA could help by establishing online mentorships and courses specifically focused on the role of the superintendent. Successful completion of such a program could result in the creation of an AASA Certified Superintendent, a license that could be marketed across state lines. This could transform the AASA image from an organization for leaders to an organization that grows leaders.

Question #2 -- What do you recommend as AASA's action priorities for the next 3 years?

Membership growth is critical. The next generation of leaders appears to be more independent. We need to understand what they want from an organization and plan accordingly. AASA should focus on developing a reputation as the organization to belong to for all educational leaders,

NCLB is designed to pave the way to vouchers and charter schools. Its goals are unrealistic and state legislatures are ill-prepared to deal with the exorbitant costs that will be associated with its implementation. Its repeal is unlikely, but with appropriate pressure from AASA members we may be able to shape its future.

Charles C. Lyle III

Superintendent of Schools

Long Beach School District

Long Beach, Mississippi

Answers unavailable. Log on to www.aasa.org for all candidates' answers.

Leonard E. Merrell

Superintendent of Schools

Katy Independent School District

Katy, Texas

Question #1 -- What should AASA do to ensure the availability of quality candidates for school district leadership positions?

As America's preeminent association for school leaders, AASA has a responsibility to elevate the status of the superintendency nationwide. The role must be better articulated and viewed with greater respect in this era of accountability and high expectations for every child.

AASA should establish a framework for superintendent preparation, provide intensive professional development opportunities and identify successful programs to guide state associations in their professional development role. Working with state associations, AASA can provide a network of leadership training for three groups: experienced, new and aspiring superintendents, each essential to insuring continued quality leadership for school districts.