Fall 2016
The BASA staff would like to extend our thanks to each of
you for what you do each day. Your work is critical, and
we know that Ohio’s schools are led by the very best. We
hope you take great pride in the many accomplishments
of your students and know that you play a significant
part in their success. We also express our appreciation
for supporting your professional association. It is your
involvement with BASA that allows us to have a positive
influence on the profession.
We have made great strides in Ohio. We have increased
graduation rates, are narrowing the achievement gaps,
and as a state, have improved our standing significantly.
We continue to be the focal point of public dialogue
and will continue to be as long as we are one of the
largest portions of the state budget and the political
focus of economic improvement in the state and country.
Everyone has been to school, and everyone has the
answers.
I not only think it is a great time to be a leader, but a
time that our ability and willingness to lead may be more
important than it has ever been. Things are changing
and will continue to change. They will change with our
involvement or without, but they will change.
While it may not feel this way, the real exciting aspect
of being an educational leader today is that we have
the opportunity to help lead the way, to help bring about
the desired changes, and the opportunity to help make
things better for the generations to come. We have the
opportunity to help design the future of education, to help
shape the opportunities for future generations. Madeline
Hunter once said, “If you want to feel secure, do what
you already know how to do. If you want to be a true
professional and continue to grow . . . go to the cutting
edge of your competence which means a temporary loss
of security. So whenever you feel like you don’t know
what you’re doing . . . know you’re growing.”
continued on page 6
A Great Time to Lead
By Dr. Kirk Hamilton, BASA Executive Director
Today, superintendents are leading in a critical time where
more policy changes and educational challenges occur
than ever before. It is easy to become distracted in the
work. Superintendents continue to problem solve many
issues, some of which include the following:
• Planning and implementing school safety plans
and training
• New teacher evaluation measures
• New student assessments
• New graduation requirements
• Higher accountability measures
• Engaging your community in securing additional
local funding
It is certainly easy to get lost in the sense of urgency.
As BASA President, I was recently invited to participate
in Speaker Rosenberger’s Educational Policy Summit.
Representative Bob Cupp, Representative Kirk
Schuring, and House Finance Chairman Ryan Smith
also participated in a conversation about early childhood
education, K-12 academic standards, school choice, and
college readiness. This forum provided an opportunity
for educators and agencies to provide input on critical
issues facing education including the new College Credit
Plus, end of course exams, graduation requirements,
teacher licensure concerns, and the impact of poverty on
educational outcomes.
I believe that many of our legislators truly want to hear
from educators and their constituents on critical issues
impacting student achievement. As superintendents, we
have an obligation to educate our public and legislators
on these educational issues. As we do this, it will be
important to bring solutions to the problems.
continued on page 5
President’s Message
By
Kelly Spivey