Executive Viewpoint

YEAR-END CELEBRATIONS: REMEMBER TO CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS TOO!

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

We are in the final stretch of the 2024-2025 school year. Anytime there is a Regular Legislative Session during the school year, it can add some additional weight to the minds of school leaders. This session is no different. Of all the bills we tracked, 146 of those became Acts. We appreciate the 95th General Assembly for taking on difficult education issues and their willingness to listen to educators as they develop policy. We may not always agree with everything, but elected officials listening to all sides before the final decision is made is appreciated. Regardless of how things evolve in education, one constant remains: the indispensable role of school leaders. You are often the quiet engine behind the scenes that ensures that students and staff are thriving. You are the architects of safe, supportive, and inspiring environments.

As we near the end of the school year, leaders must take in all the policy changes and student data to chart a path forward. You will be adapting to new educational standards, new technology, new accountability measures, new governance policies, and a host of other items. All the while, you will respond to the needs of students, staff, and the greater community. Leaders must face these challenges with resilience and foresight. It is time to take all this in and begin to cast a vision for your schools of what the future will look like and motivate them one more time to make the most of the opportunities afforded them. I know that some things have a level of uncertainty, but I am confident that there will be many steady hands guiding schools with compassion and clarity. Our state does not need you to just manage change, but transform it into opportunity.

I know many of your hearts. There is an understanding that community and relationships are what make a school really click. Reflect on all the things you have done this year to create this strong sense of community. What new policies, support systems, and culture did you create that ensured that everyone was seen and valued? What emphasis did you place on academic excellence? What emphasis did you place on the emotional well-being of students and staff? I know you worked tirelessly to support both. Did you leave anything on the table? I am certain that you had a vision going into the 2024-2025 school year that you were going to be a champion for innovation, empower teachers to try new strategies with their HQIMs, and inspire the curiosity of students. Are you eager to see the results of this work? I am!

Your success is measured not by accolades, but by the success of others. A test score does not define your work as a leader, but it is a small piece that tells the story over time. This includes decades of service and countless students and staff. The success and celebration will come when the students become adults and contribute to our great society. I know many of you see your accomplishments in the eyes of a former student who joins your ranks, runs for office, builds your house, takes care of your ailments, etc. Take pride in the achievements of your students, the growth of your teachers, and the strength of your community. Your legacy is written in every diploma earned, every barrier broken, and every life you touched, a bestowed great education.

It is the pleasure of my lifetime to serve you all. To all my fellow school administrators: Thank you! Thank you for your long hours going to ballgames and board meetings, your steadfast dedication to doing it the right way, and your unwavering belief in the power of education. Your leadership matters more than my bumbling attempt at words can fully express. Not only are you leading schools, but you are shaping our futures. Please do not take this lightly.

As we move forward in completing the school year, know that your work is seen, your efforts are appreciated, and your influence will echo in time. You are the heartbeat of your great school, and thank you for making a difference in the lives of our Arkansas students.