President’s Message

It is hard to believe that another school year has passed. But as with all of you, I am hopeful for positive results from MSA, for an easy closing of school, and appropriate staffing and funding for the next school year.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being with many of you in Ocean City for our annual conference. The conference was a resounding success. Many of you had provided the Planning Committee with suggestions for topics and the structure of the conference. Your input was on target and enhanced the conference immeasurably. Let me congratulate each of the participants for taking the time to nurture themselves and for taking the opportunity for personal professional development. If we don’t take care of ourselves who will?

In my remarks at the business meeting, I suggested being a principal is an act of faith. Faith in your abilities to lead; faith in your staff’s abilities to teach and nurture students; faith in the abilities of the students to learn. Such faith is borne in the passion each of you possesses as a principal. I cannot imagine an effective principal who isn’t passionate about his or her school.

This year the Executive Board adopted a new vision: Service, Support and Advocacy for Maryland Principals. The Executive Board has worked diligently to ensure the vision is implemented in a proactive manner. I believe you have received services, support and advocacy that are aligned with promoting the principalship. While the Executive Board will continue its efforts, I would like to suggest that full implementation of the vision is largely dependent on the membership embracing the vision and actively implementing specific activities. I encourage each of you to be active in your local associations and to assist at the state level in providing exemplary programs to your colleagues.

As Bob Wagner assumes the Presidency, I can’t help but be excited that under his stewardship, MAESP will flourish. Your newly elected officers (Judy Walker-President Elect and Archie Van Norden-Treasurer) will offer support and creative ideas that will stand the Association in good stead for many years to come. Finally, Debbie Drown, MAESP Executive Director, is an asset for which we can all be proud. Her enthusiasm and commitment to MAESP is unparalleled.

This year has been an exceedingly rewarding one for me. Your support and encouragement has been gratifying. I have grown personally and professionally because of each of you. I wish you good health and success in the future.