July 2024: School Administrator

The Invisible Subgroup: LGBTQ Julie Vitale

As a mentor to aspiring superintendents, the author is asked how to deal with the “partner game” when interviewing with school boards.

I Don’t Have an Opinion on That Chris Kennedy

Do superintendents really need to take positions on everything, even topics unrelated to education?

Leadership with a Diagnosis of Depression Doug Stilwell

A superintendent’s deeply personal story of confronting a mental health condition on the job and persevering.

Public Access to Your Superintendent Search Karen Rue

Candidate finalists can expect a public vetting and ought to be prepared to share full disclosure of any baggage.

Walking in the Footsteps of a Tragedy Gladys Cruz

Recounting the haunting experience of visiting Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., amidst a call for addressing gun violence.

Vulnerability Played to My Advantage Jared Smith

Making personal connections on a human level can ease the transition into a superintendency.

Coming Clean on a Child’s Death

A district leader reconsiders his misleading public statement about a son’s fatal use of fentanyl, but what if his ex-wife doesn’t go along?

Ethical Considerations for Using Artificıal Intelligence Ariel Sykes and Karen Rezach

One school community’s decision-making method involves stakeholders in addressing the emerging dilemmas at play with AI tools in education.

Aftermath of a Phishing Attack Olufemi Aina

The Atlanta Public Schools’ director of technology shares the district’s story of being victimized along with how that experience is contributing new protocols for ensuring there’s no repeat.

From Data Privacy to Data Justice Clarence Okoh

The risks of discrimination and exploitation of students in elementary and secondary schools that arise from the use of new technologies.

Sterling Words But Whose Were They?

Our panel analyzes how a superintendent should act upon discovering the newly hired principal used ChatGPT to craft his application essays.

‘A Desire To Do Things Differently’ Shannon Hitch

Self-contained programs weren’t benefiting students with disabilities so this large district is changing mindsets to create inclusive schools.

We’re Here for the Kids: Superintendents in Their Role as Advocates Noelle Ellerson Ng

AASA’s public policy head on what it takes to effectively promote your schools’ needs in front of a federal lawmaker.

Your Legacy Exists in the People Shari Camhi

The AASA president’s final column reflects on how educators can leave a long-lasting impact on their systems.

Exceptional Challenges Require Our Collective Leadership David R. Schuler, Ph.D.

Connecting with like-minded professionals through AASA’s myriad opportunities for growth.

Influencing Public Perception With Proactive Videos Matt Baron

A communication consultant’s suggestions for using sounds and scenes for spreading positive developments.

A Mother’s Muzzling Request

How ought a counselor handle demands from a parent of a transgender child to tell friends to halt their messaging after the child transfers?

Saying ‘Sorry’ as a Basis to Good Relations Brian Ricca

Building connections with others sometimes means assuming personal responsibility in stressful situations.

Learning to Ask, ‘Is This the Will of the Board?’ Phil Gore

Applying this question may prevent a smoldering powder keg from exploding, especially when new board members start firing off ideas.

Energizing the Disengaged Board Member Peg Portscheller

When someone appears to withdraw from board duties, does the superintendent have a responsibility to intervene?

The Primacy of Career Development David Miyashiro

A California district prepares graduates for success beyond high school through an emphasis on nurturing students’ individual strengths, interests and values.

Embracing the Four-Day School Week Sarah Hall

While gaining in popularity to address sagging teacher recruitment and retention, what’s the real impact of a shortened week on students and their learning?

A Do-Gooder Holding Harmful Beliefs

Our panel analyzes whether it matters if a dedicated school volunteer quietly holds racist ideas.