AASA Issues Statement on Sec. Cardona’s Priorities, Vision for the Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
James Minichello
703-774-6953
jminichello@aasa.org

Alexandria, Va. – January 27, 2022 – Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, today, issued the following statement in response to U.S. Dept. of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona’s remarks outlining his priorities as the Biden administration enters its second year in office.

“I am pleased that many of Secretary Cardona’s goals align with our efforts as we work toward a future-focused, equity-driven and holistic redesign of public education. I could not agree more with his plea to ‘reset education.’ Relying on best practices of the past cannot and should not be an option for educators if we’re going to effectively address the needs of all children, no matter their zip codes or socio-economic status.

“It was reassuring to hear the secretary’s call to ramp up mental health supports in our schools. Demand for quality social and emotional learning in our states and districts continues to grow.

“Embedding additional innovative SEL strategies and intensive support can only help our districts and staff as they try to bring a sense of normalcy into their school communities on behalf of their young learners. These efforts would undoubtedly serve as a linchpin to the herculean efforts already underway by our superintendents as they fight for equity and the safety and welfare of the children they serve.

“Superintendents I speak with agree with me, as reflected in the secretary’s remarks, that we have no choice but to seize the moment and be bold enough to pave the way to help shape and prepare students for the future. The historic investment in education through the American Rescue Plan, in many ways, will help our members do just that. As school districts are leveraging the funds they have, AASA is working feverishly as their ‘go-to’ organization to help them succeed.”

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For specific questions, please contact Sasha Pudelski, AASA director of advocacy, at spudelski@aasa.org.

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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’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.