AASA Names Fall 2023 ‘Lighthouse’ School Systems to Serve as Models to Help Transform Education

Home / News & Media / News

November 02, 2023

View All News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
James Minichello
703-774-6953
jminichello@aasa.org

Selected Districts Exemplify AASA’s Learning 2025 Commission Initiative

Alexandria, Va. – Nov. 2, 2023 – AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is pleased to announce the newest school districts that have been recognized as “Lighthouse” systems to serve as models of positive change in public education. The selected designates are members of AASA’s Learning 2025 Network, a cadre of more than 150 demonstration systems representing learner-centered, future-driven, urban, suburban and rural school districts engaged in working together to help drive education policy and, ultimately, improve student learning.

Grounded in the foundational work of the AASA Learning 2025 National Commission and inspired by the commission’s report, An American Imperative: A New Vision of Public Schools, the AASA Learning 2025 Network aims to transform education, enhance student achievement and ensure no learner is marginalized.

“The districts we are honoring are glowing examples of learning communities driving that force and making innovative changes in response to the needs of their students. Congratulations to these new ‘Lighthouse’ systems.”

“I firmly believe that the future of public education is not just a system, but an innovative and vibrant force,” said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. “The districts we are honoring are glowing examples of learning communities driving that force and making innovative changes in response to the needs of their students. Congratulations to these new ‘Lighthouse’ systems.”

The AASA Fall 2023 Learning 2025 Lighthouse Systems are:

  • Beaver Area School District, Beaver, Pa.

    Area of Focus: Future-ready Learners
    Superintendent: Mark Holtzman
    Tagline: Building Foundational Student Success

  • Hermiston School District, Hermiston, Ore.

    Area of Focus: Community Alignment
    Superintendent: Tricia Mooney

    Tagline: Aligning with Our Community for a Culture of Belonging and Learning for All
  • Montrose County School District, Montrose, Colo.

    Area of Focus: Future-ready Learners
    Superintendent: Carrie Stephenson
    Tagline: Forging a Future-Ready Rural Community of Learners through Career Pathways and Language Acquisition

  • Seneca Valley School District, Harmony, Pa.

    Area of Focus: Social Emotional-Cognitive Growth
    Superintendent: Tracy Vitale
    Tagline: Creating Bold Spaces that Support Teaching, Learning and Student Well Being

The AASA Fall 2023 Learning 2025 Systems to Watch include:

The seven districts will be honored during a ceremony at the Feb. 14, 2024 Learning 2025 luncheon at AASA’s National Conference on Education in San Diego.

“Using the word ‘Lighthouse’ should not be seen as a label, but rather a concept for school districts to learn and grow with one another and give voice to educational leaders who want to be part of shaping the conversation and practice around the future of education,” said Mort Sherman, senior associate executive director, AASA. “AASA is distinctly positioned to represent leaders across the country, drawing from our vast set of resources, and personalizing and customizing our service to each school district.”

“Using the word ‘Lighthouse’ should not be seen as a label, but rather a concept for school districts to learn and grow with one another and give voice to educational leaders who want to be part of shaping the conversation and practice around the future of education.”

Systems were reviewed based on strategies and recommendations developed by the commission. Redesign component indicators included:

  • Social Emotional-Cognitive Growth
  • Future-ready Learners
  • Cognitive Growth Model
  • Learners as Co-authors
  • Diverse Educator Pipeline
  • Early Learning
  • Technology-enhanced Learning
  • Community Alignment

The AASA Learning 2025 Network aims to empower superintendents and their teams to drive the change and enhance student outcomes in their district and across the country through access to personalized tools, support and opportunities. Learn more at aasa.org/learning2025.

For additional information, please contact the AASA Leadership Network Team:

To join the conversation via social media, please access #Learning2025.

###

About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org. 

 

 

Related News