Robert Thomason
AASA President
Alaska is blessed with committed and caring teachers, instructional specialists, administrative assistants, instructional assistants, administrators, custodians, maintenance personnel, bus drivers, and food service personnel! In many parts of this great state, living and teaching/working conditions vary greatly from anything one could experience in the "Lower 48".
School district administrators are charged with advocating for students, staff, and their local communities. AASA is a vibrant, professional, visionary organization that provides a unifying umbrella. Our focus theme for the 2012-2013 school year is "One Message, One Mission, One Motive: Success for All Students."
The primary focus on "Success for all Students" unifies Alaska's 54 school districts in spite of our geographic, cultural, and economic diversity. The question before us, as a professional organization, is how to "tell our stories" of both success and need as they relate to children. The 28th Legislature will soon begin. The "dollar distribution dance" will take place in earnest. The Legislature and the Governor are confronted with an enormous and sometimes thankless task: how to prioritize and distribute scarce public funds to provide for the common good.
AASA relies upon its membership to participate, voice opinions, share their stories, advocate for youngsters, and be unified in support of the organization's position statements and resolutions. Members will be called upon during the course of the year to speak with key communicators, decision-makers, and leaders on local and state levels. When you get the call – Be Prepared. We need you!
— Robert Thomason,
— AASA President
— Petersburg City School District
Superintendent of the Year
2012-2013
