President's Perspective

A FRESH START

Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Board President

Hello AAEA, I would like to introduce myself and tell you how honored and excited I am to serve Arkansas administrators and the AAEA. I am beginning my second year as the superintendent of the Sheridan School District. I served as superintendent of the Arkadelphia School District three years prior. I have also served as a principal, assistant principal, curriculum director and assistant superintendent in the Benton and Bryant School Districts. I taught at Salem Elementary and Collegeville Elementary in Bryant prior to entering administration 24 years ago. My husband, Scott, and I have been married for 30 years and have two children, Morgan Neathery Ward and Ty Neathery.

Make it a great year, the choice is yours

Welcome to the 2023-2034 academic year, where possibilities abound, and fresh opportunities await. As summer break comes to an end, it's time to embark on a journey of learning, growth and success. This is your chance for a fresh start, a chance to set goals, and a chance to make this year your best one yet. Whether you are an administrator, teacher, or parent, this is a time filled with anticipation and excitement. It's a time to embrace new challenges, build meaningful relationships, and discover the vast potential that lies within you. Get ready to ignite the spark of enthusiasm and pave the way for a successful year ahead. Let's dive in together and explore the motivational back to school messages that will set the tone for an extraordinary adventure. Make it a great year, the choice is yours!

On behalf of the AAEA board, I invite you all to the 2023 AAEA Summer Conference, July 24-26. This three day conference is a perfect opportunity to network and grow professionally. Thank you for all you do for students, staff, and educators across our state. Hope this is your best year yet!