When I was 16, I got my first car: a maroon 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Station Wagon. At the time, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. While my friends were getting sleek sedans or sporty coupes, I was rolling up to school in a tank of a vehicle with hot vinyl seats in the summer and an 8-track tape deck instead of a cassette player. I can still remember the look on my friends' faces when they saw it, equal parts amusement and sympathy. I longed for a better sound system and a more comfortable ride, but never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the cars of today—equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen navigation, self-parking features, and even autonomous driving capabilities. The evolution of the automobile is a testament to how we must always look ahead, innovate, and shape the future rather than settle for the present.

As leaders, we live in two worlds: the one of today and the one of tomorrow. It’s easy to get caught up in daily challenges, putting out fires as they arise. But true leadership requires us to be future-driven, shaping the path forward for our students, staff, and communities. We must be informed, advocate, and lead at the local, state, and national levels. Attending Friday's AASA General Session provided me with the inspiration and clarity I needed to continue steering my district toward the future.

The morning began with an incredible announcement from AASA Executive Director David Schuler. AASA unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Battelle for Kids, a strategic integration of assets and staff that will take effect on July 1, 2025. This collaboration marks a major step in expanding AASA’s ability to provide school leaders with the tools and resources needed to prepare students for the future.

Here’s what this means for our districts:

• Continued Support: School leaders will still have access to proven programs and resources from Battelle for Kids, now strengthened by AASA’s national reach and network.
• Enhanced Offerings: The partnership will expand professional learning opportunities, deepen partnerships, and strengthen networks, all with a strategic focus on shaping the future of education.
• Commitment to Innovation: AASA is committed to advancing real-world workforce readiness and 21st-century learning, ensuring that students are prepared for the opportunities ahead.

I am excited about the potential opportunities for my district to collaborate with Battelle for Kids and leverage these enhanced resources.

The session also included a powerful moment of recognition, as AASA Past President Gladys Cruz introduced the organization’s Past Presidents. Seeing Dr. Paul Imhoff stand among them was a personal highlight for me. Dr. Imhoff, a distinguished Ohio superintendent now retired and the Director of Governmental Affairs for Ohio's Superintendent Association, was instrumental in guiding me and many other leaders.

It was also inspiring to hear from the three candidates for AASA President. I encourage all AASA members to learn more about the Candidates for President and cast their votes before the March 28 deadline.

AASA continues to champion leadership diversity through initiatives like the Women in School Leadership Awards, sponsored by Horace Mann and AASA. These awards celebrate outstanding women administrators who exemplify innovation and vision in public education. This year’s winners were announced:

• Central Office/Principal Category: Alicen Gaytley, Director of Teaching and Learning, Quincy School District (Wash.)
• Superintendent Category: Wendy Birhanzel, Superintendent, Harrison School District 2 (Colo.)

Their recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of creating more pathways for women in education leadership.

The session concluded with an electrifying keynote from Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President Emeritus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Hrabowski spoke about the power of storytelling in shaping our society and personal identities. He reflected on his journey as a child leader in the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Alabama, and his decades of academic leadership with a focus on STEM and inclusive excellence. His words reinforced the urgency of fostering a more inclusive, forward-thinking education system. As he wrapped up, he had us all stand and chant the guiding principles of success:

Thoughts → Words → Actions → Habits → Character → Destiny!

As I reflected on his message, I thought back to my old Oldsmobile Cutlass. At 16, I could only dream of a better sound system and a softer seat. But the real visionaries—those in the auto industry who imagined and built the cars we drive today—were looking far beyond my simple wishes. They anticipated what drivers would need decades into the future. Likewise, we as education leaders must not only address today’s needs but also envision and build for the future of our students.

To all superintendents: let’s embrace the responsibility of leading the future. Let’s innovate, advocate, and create opportunities that will shape the educational landscape for generations to come. AASA provides us with the support, resources, and network to do just that. I am grateful for this organization and the role it plays in my leadership journey.

Now is our time. Let’s lead boldly into the future!