1993 Annual Report

School Administrator, March, 1994

American Association of School Administrators

EDUCATION FOR ALL...

America's Promise

Nineteen hundred ninety three brought the hope of a new administration in Washington, increased violence in our society, attempts to subvert public funds to private and parochial schools, and "stealth" candidates running for local school boards.

Through it all, the American Association of School Administrators stood tall and spoke forcefully for public education and its vital role in securing the nation's future. Emblazoned on our banner has been the theme, "Education for All...America's Promise."

As one of the world's most respected organizations for school system leaders, AASA has focused its resources on improving education for students. They are, after all, the true hope for today and tomorrow.

Here are just a few ways AASA has promoted even better education through sound leadership during 1 993:

* Approved Professional Standards for the Superintendency, developed by a specially appointed AASA commission.

* Held our celebrated 125th annual convention in Orlando, Fla., under the theme, "Working Together for World-Class Schools."

* Presented testimony and represented the association on numerous education issues, such as the Clinton administration's "Goals 2000--Educate America Act," the National Goals Panel's work on delivery standards, and reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

* Developed highly acclaimed publications and audiovisual programs addressing such topics as leadership styles, testing and assessment, and working effectively with the news media, as well as our award-winning magazine, The School Administrator, and newspaper, Leadership News.

* Represented the association on a multitude of issues before the nation's news media.

* Formulated approaches for helping schools respond democratically to opposition groups attempting to impose their political or religious will on students in public school classrooms.

* Strengthened our efforts to attract even more members for the association, participants in professional and organizational development programs, and subscribers for our Total Quality Network.

* Conducted surveys, including our annual market research, which this year focused on professional development, and our issues/topics survey, to help us stay attuned to the needs of our members.

Despite an economy that showed little resiliency during 1993, AASA did well financially. While attendance at our convention, some conferences, and other programs was affected by softness of the economy, publication sales have been excellent.

Since its founding in 1865, AASA has gone through a number of transitions. In 1985, Paul Salmon retired after 14 years, and I became AASA executive director. Some months ago, I announced that I would retire at the end of March 1994. Since this is my last annual report message, I express my deepest appreciation to the members of the association, the Executive Committee, and our talented staff for their efforts. Because of the work each of you has done, students are receiving a better education.

As executive director, I take pride in the growing strength of educational leaders in our nation. The level of professionalism is high. Today AASA is a financially healthy organization. One of many sources of satisfaction during my tenure has been the renovation of the MSA headquarters building. Its value has risen to $5.2 million with indebtedness of $2.9 million. I also am proud to have worked with our dedicated and talented members, elected leaders, and staff.

One of the most important tasks of the association during 1993 has been to select a new executive director. In October, the Executive Committee announced that Paul Houston will assume staff leadership for AASA on April 1. I know you join me in wishing him the very best,

Our true strength as an education leadership organization is directly related to the outstanding work of our nearly 18,000 members who each day serve education in communities across our nation and the world.

Please review this annual report, which includes only highlights of the hundreds, even thousands of ways AASA has served education during 1993.

Richard D. Miller Executive Director

STRATEGIC PLAN

AASA's Mission

The mission of the American Association of School Administrators, the organization of school system leaders, is to support and assist these and other education leaders to achieve the highest quality education for all learners through personal, professional, organizational, and leadership development and advocacy for public education.

Organizational Objectives

* To ensure enlightened and skilled leadership for each school system.

* To achieve visibility, credibility, and influence in the education policy debate.

* To play a leading role in envisioning what is possible for public education.

Linking Strategy and Customer Needs

Building on the solid foundation of the Cambridge planning process, the association during the last year has focused on creating a bridge between strategic direction and customer needs. To develop the seven strategies of the strategic plan, the staff began to work on customer requirements and how those requirements would influence and shape activities, products, and services necessary to bring the strategies into reality.