Incoming President Wants More Voices in the AASA Chorus

By Jay P. Goldman

	Ed Hatrick is AASA's incoming president.

Calling AASA “a gathering place” for all those in public education leadership, Ed Hatrick, superintendent in Loudoun County, Va., delivered brief remarks at the 3^rd General Session Saturday morning as the association’s incoming president.

Hatrick, who will assume office in July, told attendees that they were part of a chorus that needed their involvement and their recruitment efforts to strengthen the voice of the professional association on public policy issues.

Pointing to the likely reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act over the next year, he said the membership would play a key role in reshaping federal policy.

“We’re served by an excellent staff … but 38 staff members, no matter how talented, cannot do it alone,” said Hatrick.

He called on those in the audience to recruit three colleagues each to join AASA as members to strengthen the organization’s capacity. “United in our profession, we can be a chorus,” he said.

Saying he planned to introduce no new annual theme during his year as AASA president, Hatrick said the current focus on serving the total child is a fully appropriate goal for the coming year.

“You are among the most astute politicians in your community,” he said. “You work day and night, not just to secure funding … but to build bridges among the many factions … and you never lose sight of our primary mission” of serving school-age children.