This year-end review of the school superintendent association captures a pivotal year in which school leaders came together for extensive strategy conversations to define a clear path forward. Across these episodes, leaders reflect on navigating divisive times, responding to the pandemic’s lasting impact, and rising above personal biases to lead with purpose. The discussions emphasize listening deeply to families and students, prioritizing well-being as the foundation for learning, and rebuilding trust through transparency and action. Together, these strategic reflections reveal how leaders are shifting toward student-centered learning and real-world skills—moving from crisis response to intentional planning.

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This conversation explores the AASA’s Public Education Promise, focusing on the need for real skills in education that prepare students for the future. The discussion highlights the importance of community engagement, the role of workforce partnerships, and the shift from traditional academic assessments to skills-based learning. The speakers emphasize the need for educators to foster critical thinking, adaptability, and collaboration among students, ensuring they are prepared for careers that may not yet exist.

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Dr. Brian Troop became Superintendent of the Ephrata Area School District in July 2013. He served the District as Assistant Superintendent from January 2011 through June 2013. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Millersville University, a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Memphis, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Immaculata University. Additionally, he has earned his National Superintendent Certification from the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). He serves on the Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and is a member of its Innovative Teaching and Learning Committee. At the national level, he serves as the Lead Teacher for the East Coast Cohort of the AASA National Superintendent Certification Academy. He is also on the Board of the EdLeader21 Network Advisory Committee. Finally, Dr. Troop received the recognition of PASA 2023 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year.

John Malloy, Ed.D. is Senior Vice President, Leadership Network, AASA, The School Superintendents Association. John came to AASA after serving as superintendent of San Ramon Valley Unified School District (Calif.) for 4 years and prior to that, as the Director of Education (superintendent) at the Toronto District School Board in Toronto. John has an extensive background in education at all levels and is a fierce advocate for an equitable, accessible, quality public education. John has taken his vision for learning and student engagement to new heights in SRVUSD. He led the District to adopt their Strategic Directions, which now guide the definition of student success built upon the existing foundation of academic excellence. John prioritizes student voice, ensuring that students have space to share their stories and insights, and that all of the district’s work is guided by the experience and expertise of students, staff, parents/caregivers and the wider community. Developing leaders at every level of the organization is John’s passion and priority.

David Law is the superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, one of the top school districts in Minnesota. Law earned a BA from Hamline University with a major in mathematics and a minor in education. His teaching career includes experiences in California and Minnesota at the middle school and high school level. In 1998, he began his administrative career. Law completed his K-12 principal and superintendent license at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and earned his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2010, he was named assistant superintendent for White Bear Lake Area Schools.

In this discussion, we focus on the first principle of the Public Education Promise: Prioritizing student-centered learning. The conversation explores the shift from traditional teacher-led instruction to more engaging, project-based learning approaches that emphasize real-world applications and student involvement.The conversation also covers the AASA messaging guide created to help school leaders explain the Public Education Promise to key stakeholders.

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Karen Cheser, Ed.D., is the 2025 CoSN/AASA Digital Ed Superintendent of the Year, Superintendent of the Durango School District in Durango, CO and was previously superintendent of Fort Thomas Independent Schools and Deputy Superintendent/ CAO of Boone County Schools, in Kentucky. Before working in education as a teacher, coach, literacy and math specialist, and principal. Cheser was a Distinguished Educator and district administrator.

Valerie Truesdale joined AASA’s LN team in 2019 as assistant executive director responsible for guiding professional learning and leadership development. With years of experience in the superintendency and roles in instructional technology, she knows that professional learning through AASA’s Leadership Network can be a premier resource for school leaders to keep pace with the rapidly changing K-12 education ecosystem.

David Law is the superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools, one of the top school districts in Minnesota. Law earned a BA from Hamline University with a major in mathematics and a minor in education. His teaching career includes experiences in California and Minnesota at the middle school and high school level. In 1998, he began his administrative career. Law completed his K-12 principal and superintendent license at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and earned his Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2010, he was named assistant superintendent for White Bear Lake Area Schools.