Schlorff Builds Camaraderie Through Merged Functions

Inside AASA

A restructuring of several AASA departments in the past year carried the goal of streamlining operations. One change was the creation of the Department of Finance, Operations and Technology. It merged the Finance and Operations departments with the technology services branch of communications.

Tony Schlorff, AASA’s associate executive director of finance, operations and technology, heads up the wide-ranging department. He joined the association in July 2023 after working for four years as director of technology services with the Township High School District 214 in Arlington Heights, Ill. He began his career as a high school math teacher in Naperville, Ill.

This interview by assistant editor Jacqueline Hyman has been edited for length and clarity.

Going from math teacher to instructional tech coordinator is a big jump in roles. Why did you change paths?

Schlorff: The jump is not as big as it might look on paper because the philosophy and the motivation that underpins each career move I’ve made remains the same. I’m here to remove barriers to learning. Technology is a barrier for far too many.

Why did you want to join AASA’s team and how does the work connect to your previous work in a school district?

Schlorff: I had a superintendent, Bill Shields, who was a huge mentor. He enrolled me in AASA’s Personalized Learning Cohort (2018-19), my introduction to AASA. The camaraderie and connection of that group just made me want to continue down that path, and all of a sudden I felt as if I could do it. It was such an encouraging connection and community.

So when the opportunity came to me to work at AASA, I was like, ‘This is the best way for me to give back to an association that has helped guide my career.’

Do you think you’ll eventually go down the path of becoming a superintendent?

Schlorff: I won’t rule anything out. I received my superintendent license in the state of Illinois and am currently preparing to present my dissertation on digital equity for my doctorate. That said, as someone who is motivated by removing barriers to learning and leading, the positive impact I’m able to have in this role – for all school system leaders – is extremely satisfying.

What are some of your responsibilities and what are your processes as associate executive director of finance, operations and technology?

Schlorff: Those three branches have totally different goals and focuses. So, really, I’d say my main role is to keep the lights on, keep the bills paid and make sure stuff works. But it’s also to do it with a humanistic touch. To make sure our staff feels supported, our members feel supported and we’re financially stable for the next 100 years.

It’s connecting with all sorts of different teams and talking through what are challenges and pain points. It’s a lot of calls, a lot of strategy and a lot of focus on keeping us aligned to our main association goals of supporting our members. I’m always collaborating with our senior leadership team as we strive to better support our members and implement our executive director’s bold vision to elevate and transform public education.

Are you launching any new operations soon?

Schlorff: There’s no shortage of — or an end to — new process enhancements, technology roll-outs and important integrations that will streamline our work and better serve our staff, officers and members. Continuous learning is baked into our operating ethos — as a department and as an organization that serves our nation’s education leaders.

What do you think people should know about finance/operations at AASA that they might not know?

Schlorff: I want our members, our staff and our stakeholders to know that we’re constantly working to improve our outlook, future-proof our finances and service their needs. As a result of that mindset and the hard work of previous administrations and our current team, we’re in an enviable position as an association. Our membership numbers are up, our financial audits have passed with flying colors, and the future looks bright.

Your department is a new iteration of two previous teams. Can you explain the purpose of that merger?

Schlorff: We’ve grouped what I would say are all of the support services together. Previously, finance and operations were together and tech was part of a different area. By putting it together, we’re all in one area with me leading, so it means there’s going to be a consistent theme on our strategic goal and plan of how we’re going to continue to support everybody.

What do you like best about working for AASA?

Schlorff: It goes back to my philosophy. The best part of the work is knowing that I can help remove barriers so that our members are getting the best professional learning camaraderie from us. We can support them as they do their great work, and we can impact all public school students in the United States.

Thinking back to when I was a teacher and I had 128 kids per semester, now in a way I feel like I’m helping all kids in the United States.

Inside AASA is an occasional column about principal employees and priorities of the association.