Three candidates vying to become the next president-elect of AASA shared their priorities for the organization during the President-Elect Candidates Forum on Friday, moderated by Gladys Cruz, AASA past president.

The candidates — Michael Barnes, superintendent of Mayfield City Schools in Mayfield Heights, Ohio; LaTonya Goffney, superintendent of Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas; and Heather Perry, superintendent of Gorham School District in Gorham, Maine — each offered distinct ideas on how he or she would lead the organization if elected.

Voting for president-elected opened Friday through digital balloting. Votes must be cast by AASA members by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 28. The election result will be announced the week of March 30.

At the one-hour forum, Cruz asked the candidates several questions dealing with legislative advocacy, community engagement, organizational leadership and public perceptions. Her key questions included:

• How will you promote the work of public education at both a micro and macro level?
• At the end of your term of service, what do you want AASA members to say about your term and your legacy?
• Can you describe a time when you made a very public error and how you handled it, and what did you learn about yourself?
  
  

Barnes underscored his belief in a strategic approach to advocacy, framed by what he described as “the head, the heart and the feet.”

He explained: “With the head, we must tell the truth about what’s happening in public education. With the heart, we must share the stories that connect people to our work. And with the feet, we must be willing to show up — locally, at the state level and in Washington, D.C. — to advocate for what our schools need. … Every child deserves an advocate in their corner.”

If elected, Barnes said he would focus on supporting superintendents and ensuring public education policies align with student needs.

Goffney emphasized the importance of amplifying positive narratives about public education through community voices. “We have to be intentional about sharing the great things happening in our schools,” she said. “It can't be just the superintendent's voice — we need to engage students, parents, faith leaders and business owners in telling our stories.”

She also stressed the value of community partnerships, adding, “When there is unity, there is strength. We must build stronger ties with our communities to support public schools.”

If elected, she said she would prioritize strengthening superintendent leadership and delivering on the promise of public education.

Perry focused on the power of trust-building and empowering local voices to reshape public perceptions of public education.

“I truly believe that the best way forward is to rebuild trust at the local level,” she said. “If we amplify those authentic voices from our communities — students, parents, teachers — we can change the narrative about our schools.” She added her leadership style centers on fostering collaboration, noting, “I may not be the most polished speaker, but I know how to bring people together to get things done.”

If elected, Perry said she would focus on building community trust and strengthening partnerships with local leaders.

Each candidate reinforced the need for strong advocacy efforts and deeper connections with local communities as essential components to strengthening public education and supporting superintendents nationwide.

(Amiela Arcellana is a reporter for Conference Daily Online and AASA’s marketing coordinator.)