Nation’s School System Leaders Convene in New Orleans for AASA’s 2017 National Conference on Education

National Superintendent of the Year to be Announced

Alexandria, Va. – February 1, 2017 – Scores of America’s foremost thought leaders in public education—our nation’s superintendents—will convene in New Orleans, La., March 2-4, 2017, for the National Conference on Education, hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

School system leaders from diverse communities across the country will present case studies and engage in a dialogue on behalf of the 50,000,000 students in our public schools. Topics on the agenda include curriculum and instruction; digitizing education; equity; leadership for equality; personalizing education; principal supervision initiatives; and superintendent/school board relationships.

“For generations, AASA has been bringing together the sharpest minds in education for this event,” said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA. “We’ve been delivering world-class education speakers, and thought-provoking sessions and agendas that have been rich in inspiration and content. This year’s meeting promises to be no different.”

On Day No. 1 of the conference, the 2017 National Superintendent of the Year will be announced. The four finalists include:

• Barbara Jenkins, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, Fla.
• Stewart McDonald, Kodiak Island Borough School District, Kodiak, Alaska
• James Merrill, Wake County Public School System, Cary, N.C.
• Matthew Utterback, North Clackamas School District, Milwaukie, Ore.

AASA’s 2017 National Superintendent of the Year Finalists”

Political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin will serve as keynote speakers (March 4) during the conference. Other general session speakers include James Vollmer, the president of Vollmer Inc. (March 2) and cultural diplomat Ravi Hutheesing (March 3).

Nearly 40 superintendents who have completed the rigorous National Superintendent Certification Program will be recognized for their achievement. Through AASA’s in-depth curriculum, dynamic in-person sessions, one-on-one mentoring and long-term professional networks, the program delivers the comprehensive leadership development early career leaders need.

In addition, more than 40 educators (including 11 superintendents) will be recognized for completing the AASA Urban Superintendents Academy with Howard University and the University of Southern California. This program offers a dynamic approach to urban superintendent preparation to bolster the effectiveness of school district leadership in our nation’s urban areas.

For the second year in a row, superintendents who are social media novices, experts or somewhere in between, are invited to take advantage of AASA’s Social Media Lounge, which can be found on the conference’s showroom floor, right outside the Knowledge Exchange Theater. Following the success of last year’s Social Media Lounge, this year’s installment will feature new faces and opportunities for attendees to learn about the latest social media tools and best practices being used in school districts; gain hands-on social media assistance; make new connections; participate in unique contests and giveaways; and take advantage of photo and video opportunities. Superintendents are encouraged to stop by the lounge during the conference. They can also engage with their peers by using the

hashtag #NCE17 in their Twitter and Facebook posts.

From start to finish, educators will have the opportunity to follow the activities and conversations through AASA’s Conference Daily Online. The award-winning publication provides a comprehensive look at the conference proceedings, including coverage of key speakers, award winners and AASA governance activities, plus photo and video galleries.

For more information about the 2017 National Conference on Education, visit https://nce.aasa.org/.

About AASA

AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA advocates for the highest quality public education for all students, and develops and supports school system leaders.

James Minichello – Director, Communications & Marketing – (office) 703-875-0723 (mobile) 703-774-6953 – AASA, The School Superintendents Association – 1615 Duke Street – Alexandria, VA 22314

Join AASA  |  Access My AASA Portal  | Visit AASA.org

Further Reading

1. edCircuit – Two Critical Leadership Roles: Parents & Teachers
2. The Washington Post – School district chiefs: Proposed Medicaid changes would hurt poor children and students with disabilities
3. The Huffington Post – Reflecting On The Needs Of School Districts