AASA, The School Superintendents Association

As Father’s Day comes up on the calendar, we are reminded that special events and milestones often amplify a student’s sense of loss. While grief doesn’t follow a schedule, your support can.

Help ensure your school community is prepared by downloading our resource: ‘Father’s Day May Not Be Easy for Some Grieving Students.’ Use this guide to identify at-risk students early and share it with your fellow educators, school mental health staff, and administrators: https://links.aasa.org/4da0Q9h

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement

Superintendent Ashanti Holley and assistant superintendent Eder Joseph of Burlington County Institute of Technology share how structured student voice drives real change, from cellphone policy rollouts to doubling AP course offerings to eliminating transportation barriers for clinical placements.

Read the full piece in the June 2026 issue of School Administrator Magazine: https://www.aasa.org/resources/resource/student-voice-as-a-strategic-driver-for-responsive-excellence

Student Voice as a Strategic Driver for Responsive Excellence In a New Jersey district, student voice is built into how leadership listens, evaluates and improves practice.

In his final President's Corner column, AASA President David Law reflects on a year spent amplifying the superintendent voice, championing the Public Education Promise, and being reminded — by students like Liam Halloran — of exactly why this work matters.

"The future of public education is bright because our students are lighting the way."

Thank you, David, for your leadership, your heart, and your commitment to every child in every public school. 👏

Read his full reflection: https://www.aasa.org/resources/resource/reflections-on-a-meaningful-year

Reflections on a Meaningful Year Four guiding principles for locating and retaining the best talent.

Two Winnacunnet High School students have been chosen to serve as Student AI Senators at America's Youth AI Festival (July 17–19, Boston & Cambridge), where young leaders from across the country will help craft a new student-centered AI policy for public schools.

They'll be joined by SAU 21 curriculum director Shay Cassily as part of AASA's 2026 Leadership & Innovation Fellowship — a program focused on ethical AI, critical thinking, and the future of learning.

Read more:

Winnacunnet students to represent NH at National Youth AI Festival - AOL Winnacunnet voices will join a national stage this summer as students and educators debate how AI should shape the classroom of tomorrow.

Four high school students share firsthand accounts of how their voices have influenced school programs, shaped district initiatives and strengthened their communities. From student journalism and mental wellness advocacy to teen leadership and public safety campaigns, these stories demonstrate what's possible when students are empowered as partners in their education.

Read more: https://www.aasa.org/resources/resource/exercising-voices-productively

Exercising Voices Productively Four student essays detail how their school districts have empowered them to promote their peers’ concerns.

Student success isn’t built by one person — it’s built by everyone working together.

From the central office to the classroom, every role plays a part. When we work together to support principals, develop teachers, and strengthen systems, our students win.

How do you foster collaboration between your central office and the principals you support? 👇

Applications open now: aasa.org/npsa

Graduate education programs were left out of the new federal "professional degree" definition, and school leaders are raising the alarm.

AASA's Valerie Truesdale says the new student loan cap could limit who can afford to lead our schools, especially in rural communities.

Read the full K-12 Dive story here:

Education is no longer a ‘professional degree.’ What will the ripple effects be? Education advocates are worried about the negative impact a new federal student loan cap will have on staffing for many roles in schools.

Do you recognize anyone in these photos? 👀

These are the faces of future superintendents. Leaders who took a chance on themselves and came out the other side ready to transform their districts.

For years, AASA's Aspiring Superintendents Academies® have been preparing and empowering the next generation of school system leaders. The graduates you see here are now in classrooms, central offices, and district leadership roles across the country... and they started right where you are.

Applications are CLOSING SOON for two aspiring programs:

🎓 Aspiring Superintendents Academy®
🎓 Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino and Latina Leaders

If the superintendency is your goal, this is your moment. Don't let this cohort fill up without you.

Apply today: https://www.aasa.org/professional-learning/academies

Student seats at the governance table mean nothing without onboarding, accountability, and follow-through. National Student Board Member Association alumni Rida Karim and Luke Lippitt break down what effective student representation actually looks like.

Read more on : https://www.aasa.org/resources/resource/from-the-mouths-of-student-board-members

From the Mouths of Student Board Members Two former student representatives share how superintendents can help make this role as effective as possible.