May 17, 2013

Dear Friends -

Due to health reasons and with a sense of deep regret I will be unable to continue to serve as executive director. I would have liked to convey this to you personally, but that is not possible. So with this letter, allow me to say that it has been an honor and privilege to serve and work with you in advocating for the children and youth of Alaska and the nation.

The service you provide to your community, state and nation are often times not recognized or appreciated. As a former school board member I took great pride in knowing that my small civic contribution to the children, parents and community through my voluntary public service as a representative of my community was not only important but an honor. I remind you of this, as there can be no greater gift to your community than service. Thank you for yours.

As I leave you, I do so with no regrets. AASB is a mature full service entity that is mission driven, organized under a strategic long-range plan that is governed by a 15 member board of directors. AASB is staffed by professionals that are dedicated to the mission and purpose of their board and membership.

Joseph Reeves has been named AASB's interim executive director and is vested with the full authority of the board to carry out the duties of executive director. Joseph has been with AASB since 1998 and has served as your associate executive director since 2007. He is a proven quantity and has been responsible for the day-to-day operations for six years. Joseph has my every confidence going forward and will serve his board of directors in exemplary fashion.

AASB has been my passion and in return has afforded me a professional experience that has been unparalleled amongst my contemporaries. In reality, one could work a lifetime and never achieve fulfillment of: 'Loving the work that you do, in the service of people who love the work that you do."

Dearest friends, thank you for the honor of having served you for 26 years.

With love and appreciation,

2013 June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Winners

AASB is proud to announce the recipients of this year's JNMS awards! Thank you to each of the 80 high school seniors who applied. A committee made up of board members from across Alaska carefully reviewed each application packet. The following students were recommended to receive the award for 2013.

Congratulations! (click on students' names to read their essays)

AASB Annual Report

The mission of the Association of Alaska School Boards is to advocate for children and youth by assisting school boards in providing quality public education, focused on student achievement, through effective local governance. Find out more about the information, involvement, innovation, and inspiration that has made AASB a statewide leader in education for over 50 years in our 2012 annual report.

Alaskan Schools: What Matters to Students?

Building on seven years of its School Climate and Connectedness Survey findings, AASB has released new research delving into what matters to Alaskan students. What makes a school a place where Alaskan students want to be and do well? Why do students stay in school or drop out? What do Alaskan students believe that schools can do to help them succeed?

View the summary and full report here.

AASB Commentary - AASB's widely-read monthly newsletter, Commentary, is your access to inside information about what's happening in education across the state and the nation. Stay current on boardsmanship, policy development, advocacy, legislative issues, and a host of other important concerns that impact decision making at your local level. To receive a hard copy please contact aasb@aasb.org. 
 

Current issue: May 2013
Commentary Archive

Each week members receive an email containing a summary of state and national news impacting Alaska’s schools. To receive e-News please send an email to aasb@aasb.org and type subscribe to e-news as the subject.

Current enews: May 17, 2013