AASA Names Fall 2024 ‘Lighthouse’ School Systems: Models for Educational Innovation and Change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Erin McCallum
Associate Executive Director, Strategy & Communications
media@aasa.org

Districts exemplify work of AASA Learning 2025 Network and lead transformative education initiatives across the nation

Alexandria, VA – November 1, 2024 – AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is proud to announce the latest school districts recognized as "Lighthouse" systems, serving as exemplars of positive change in public education.

These selected districts are part of AASA’s Learning 2025 Network—a group of more than 130 forward-thinking, learner-centered school systems, including urban, suburban, and rural districts, all united to drive educational policy and enhance student outcomes.

Building on the foundational work of the AASA Learning 2025 National Commission and inspired by the commission's report, An American Imperative: A New Vision of Public Schools, the Learning 2025 Network is committed to transforming education, raising student achievement, and ensuring no learner is left behind.

AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Systems demonstrate significant growth and serve as models for change in one or more of the following focus areas:

• Social Emotional-Cognitive Growth
• Future-Ready Learners
• Cognitive Growth Model
• Learners as Co-authors
• Diverse Educator Pipeline
• Early Learning
• Technology-Enhanced Learning
• Community Alignment

“These districts are on the forefront of educational transformation, setting powerful examples of what’s possible when innovative strategies and student-centered approaches come together,” said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA. “They are not only leading change within their communities but also providing invaluable insights and proven methods from which districts across the country can learn.”

They are not only leading change within their communities but also providing invaluable insights and proven methods from which districts across the country can learn.

The Fall 2024 AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Systems are:

Burrell School District, Lower Burrell, Pa.
Area of Focus: Future-Ready Learners
Superintendent: Shannon L. Wagner

Butler Area School District, Butler, Pa.
Area of Focus: Community Alignment
Superintendent: Brian White

Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District, Manlius, N.Y.
Area of Focus: Community Alignment
Superintendent: Craig J. Tice

New Hope-Solebury School District, New Hope, Pa.
Area of Focus: Future-Ready Learners
Superintendent: Charles W. Lentz

South Allegheny School District, McKeesport, Pa.
Area of Focus: Future-Ready Learners
Superintendent: David McDonald

Talladega County Schools, Talladega, Ala.
Area of Focus: Technology-Enhanced Learning
Superintendent: Suzanne Lacey

The six districts will be honored during a networking breakfast during AASA’s 2025 National Conference on Education in March 2025.

“By highlighting and celebrating these districts’ stories, we’re helping to equip all school systems with the tools and inspiration they need to drive meaningful change and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive,” said M. Ann Levett, Assistant Executive Director for AASA.

Additionally, AASA is pleased to recognize the following Fall 2024 Systems to Watch, who are making great strides in Learning 2025 focus areas:

Peninsula School District, Gig Harbor, Wash.
Area of Focus: Early Learning
Superintendent: Krestin Bahr

Cornell School District, Coraopolis, Pa.
Area of Focus: Community Alignment
Superintendent: Aaron Thomas

View all previous AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Demonstration System designees here.

The AASA Learning 2025 Network aims to empower superintendents and their teams to drive the change and enhance student outcomes in their district and across the country through access to personalized tools, support and opportunities. Learn more at aasa.org/learning2025.

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About AASA, The School Superintendents Association
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.