AASA Calls School Systems ‘Lighthouses’ for Fall 2024: Models of Educational Innovation and Change

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Erin McCallum

Deputy Executive Director for Strategy and Communication

[email protected]

The districts exemplify the work of the AASA Learning 2025 network and are leading transformative education initiatives across the country

Alexandria, Virginia – November 1, 2024 – AASA, the Association of School Superintendents, is proud to announce the newest school districts recognized as “beacon” systems as examples of positive change in public education.

These select districts are part of the AASA Learning 2025 Network, a group of more than 130 forward-thinking, student-centered school systems, including urban, suburban and rural districts, united to lead education policy and improve student outcomes.

Building on the foundational work of the AASA Learning 2025 National Commission and inspired by the commission’s report, The American Imperative: A New Vision for Public SchoolsThe Learning 2025 network is committed to transforming education, raising student achievement and ensuring no student is left behind.

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

• Social emotional and cognitive development
• Students ready for the future
• A model of cognitive development
• Students as co-authors
• A diverse pipeline for educators
• Early learning
• Technology-enhanced learning
• Community customization

“These districts are at the forefront of educational transformation, providing strong examples of what is possible when innovative strategies and student-centered approaches come together,” said David R. Schuler, executive director of AASA. “Not only are they leading change in their communities, but they are also providing invaluable insights and proven methods that districts across the country can learn from.”

Not only are they leading change in their communities, but they are also providing invaluable insights and proven methods that districts across the country can learn from.

The AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Systems for Fall 2024 are:

Burrell School DistrictLower Burrell, Pennsylvania.

Area of ​​focus: Students ready for the future

Superintendent: Shannon L. Wagner

Butler Area School DistrictButler, Pa.

Area of ​​interest: Social adjustment

Superintendent: Brian White

Fayetteville-Manlius Central School DistrictManlius, New York

Area of ​​interest: Social adjustment

Superintendent: Craig J. Tice

New Hope-Solebury School DistrictNew Hope, Pennsylvania.

Area of ​​focus: Students ready for the future

Superintendent: Charles W. Lentz

South Allegheny School DistrictMcKeesport, Pennsylvania

Area of ​​focus: Students ready for the future

Superintendent: David McDonald

Talladega County SchoolsTalladega, Ala.

Area of ​​focus: Technology-enhanced learning

Superintendent: Suzanne Lacey

Six districts will be honored at a networking breakfast held during the event 2025 AASA National Education Conference in March 2025

“By highlighting and celebrating the stories of these districts, we help equip all school systems with the tools and inspiration they need to create meaningful change and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive,” said M. Ann Levett, associate executive director for AASA.

Additionally, AASA is pleased to recognize the following fall 2024 noteworthy systems that are making great strides in the Learning 2025 theme areas:

Peninsula School DistrictGig Harbor, Washington.

Area of ​​interest: Early learning

Superintendent: Krestin Bahr

Cornell School DistrictCoraopolis, Pennsylvania

Area of ​​interest: Social adjustment

Superintendent: Aaron Thomas

See all previous AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Demonstration System designated representatives here.

The AASA Learning 2025 Network aims to empower superintendents and their teams to drive change and improve student outcomes in their districts and across the country through access to personalized tools, support and opportunities. More information can be found at aasa.org/learning2025.

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About AASA, the Association of School Superintendents

AASA, the Association of School Superintendents, founded in 1865, is a professional organization of more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and around the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to the highest quality public education. More information can be found at www.aasa.org.