MASA President
Superintendent
St. Michael – Albertville Schools
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I hope the first few weeks have been smooth and filled with excitement. I am truly honored to serve as your MASA President this year.
Reflecting on my own journey, I recall vividly the day nine years ago when I was a brand-new superintendent attending my first MASA conference. As I pulled into the parking lot and parked my car, I placed my keys in my bag, but when it was time to step out, I felt paralyzed by fear, as though I was glued to my seat.
After a moment of self-encouragement, I finally mustered the courage to open the door and step inside. Once I checked in and received my name badge, I was warmly welcomed by an incredible group of leaders. That experience was transformative and changed my life.
While some may describe the role of a superintendent as isolating, lonely, or lacking in support, my experience has been quite the opposite. Walking into that conference nine years ago, I discovered a sense of collegiality and support I had not anticipated. I found strong, positive role models who were more than willing to answer my many questions. I connected with leaders I could rely on during challenging times, and I met individuals who inspired me to think differently and grow as a leader, ultimately making me better for our learners.
Whether you are in your first year or your twentieth year as a leader, I encourage you to take full advantage of all that MASA has to offer. Get involved and stay engaged—whether it’s attending conferences, participating in virtual professional development sessions, or attending regional meetings. Remember, we are stronger when we support each other and work together.
As we step into a new school year, I am reminded of a powerful quote by Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the work we do as educators and leaders. Our journey in education is one of constant growth, learning, and adaptation. Every year brings new challenges, opportunities, and insights, allowing us to refine our practices and improve our impact on students, staff, and communities.
Starting a new school year is a time of renewal and reflection. It is a chance to build upon the successes of the past and to learn from our experiences. We often make decisions with the best intentions and knowledge available at the time. However, as we gather new information, insights, and perspectives, it is crucial that we remain open and willing to adjust our approaches. The beginning of this school year offers us a perfect moment to embrace this mindset.
As school leaders, we are tasked with leading by example. Our commitment to “doing better” is not just about implementing new programs or initiatives; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and curiosity within our districts. It’s about recognizing when change is necessary and having the courage to make those changes, even when it is difficult. We learn by collaborating with others, being curious, and continuously asking, “What else?” This spirit of inquiry helps us uncover new possibilities and drives innovation in our schools.
This year, let us encourage our teams to ask questions, seek feedback, and be open to new ideas. Let’s prioritize professional development that challenges our thinking and expands our understanding of best practices. When we demonstrate our commitment to learning and growth, we empower our staff to do the same, creating an environment where everyone feels supported in their journey to “know better and do better.”
The road ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but with each challenge comes an opportunity for growth. Let’s take Maya Angelou’s words to heart and lead with the understanding that our best efforts are always evolving. As we learn more, understand more, and experience more, let’s commit to not just doing our best, but continually striving to do better.
Wishing you all a successful and transformative school year.
