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a message from our
PRESIDENT
Dear BASA Members,
Now that things are in full swing in most districts, I hope that everyone is having
a successful 2013-2014 school year so far. If you are like me, you are probably busier
than ever trying to keep up with the plethora of changes that have occurred in edu-
cation in Ohio recently. Common Core, PARCC, Third Grade Reading Guarantee,
OTES, OPES, FIP, and Assessment Literacy are just a few. As the educational leader
in your district, it is critical that you gain a thorough understanding of the new
initiatives and programs that are being implemented. It is difficult to expect our
administrators and teachers to understand and embrace these changes if we are
not willing to lead by example and do the same.
I understand how easy it is to get “bogged down” trying to meet the demands
of the day-to-day challenges that occur in our districts. Since most of us do not
have the luxury of having a substitute cover for us when we are out of the office
for a meeting or we get away for that rare vacation, the work is just waiting for
us when we get back. Actually, due to technology, we are lucky if the work waits
at all. Most of the time, it finds us wherever we happen to be. Our smart phones
and tablets have allowed us to be accessible 24/7, 365 days a year. Due to these
constant demands on our time, we may think there isn’t enough time to attend
meetings and professional development opportunities when they are offered. This
is especially true when we have all endured the several-hour commute to attend a
meeting that was a complete waste of time! The challenges of professional develop-
ment are all too real; however, we cannot allow ourselves to become isolated within
our districts and deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from others.
As superintendents, we are actually required to participate in professional
development. The Ohio Standards for Superintendents state that effective superin-
tendents engage in activities for personal professional growth that reflect commit-
ment to lifelong learning and best practices in addition to providing high-quality
professional development for all staff that is aligned with district goals, curriculum,
and instruction. To meet this expectation, I would encourage you to utilize the
services of BASA. Several of BASA’s staff members are former superintendents who
have been in your shoes. They know your time is valuable and they make sure the
meetings and conferences are of high quality and worth your time. You can also
utilize their services without ever leaving the office. They provide relevant informa-
tion on their website and they have knowledgeable staff members who are available
via phone or email to answer questions or offer advice.
I encourage you to allow BASA to support you in becoming a knowledgeable
superintendent who can effectively lead your staff through these challenging times.
I also encourage you to connect with other colleagues throughout the state to ask
questions and share success stories. This directory can assist you in that endeavor.
Thank you for all you do on behalf of Ohio’s 1.8 million children!
Randy J. Lucas
BASA President
