Page 4 - AASBO EDGE BTS 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

BY RUSSELL DENEAULT
Giving Back to AASBO Can Take Many Forms

Russell Deneault

It begins again, the wheel turns, one school year theme. I look forward to the inevitably amazing
ends and another begins. I am writing these words developments coming from this year’s President-
as Arizona’s students begin their great leap into Elect and Annual Conference Chair, Francie Wolfe-
the 2023-2024 school year. The furious project Baumann, as we move from the dusty jousting
implementations of summer are dwindling (though fields to the cool and collaborative waters under
much remains to be done). This year’s Annual the sea!
Conference is behind us as the long summer days
are just beginning to shorten into a promise of One specific thank you that I do not want to miss
cooler days ahead. is for my lovely partner in life and at the Annual
Conferences, Dawn Deneault. If you’ve noticed the
As your President of AASBO this year, I am honored year-over-year growth in the children’s program
for this opportunity to serve an organization that so and how much fun the AASBO kids are having,
deeply values continuous learning and supporting please thank her when you get an opportunity. She
its membership in the pursuit of building excellent is also the one to thank if you were greeted in the
educational environments. Each and every leader hallway on the way to the conference area by a
within this great organization embodies the quality barrage of tiny marshmallows launched from little
of servant leadership where contributing to the catapults. What a way to start your morning!
success of our peers and employees drives our
motivations. If I could give one single piece of advice to current
or potential members, it would be to continue to
I would like to take this opportunity to thank some find ways to give a little more to the organization.
of AASBO’s leaders who were instrumental in Giving can take many forms: attending bi-monthlys
the success of this summer’s Annual Conference, and conferences, encouraging a colleague to
“School Business Officials of the Round Table: join, welcoming a member at their first event,
In Service For All.” Professional Development connecting with other members to give support,
Committee members, track chairs, presenters, offering suggestions for sessions, and signing up
and keynote speakers all rallied to the call of the to co-present are all great ways to give that little
huntsman’s horn to bring us quality, timely, and bit more.
relevant sessions. AASBO and Starr Pass staff,
vendors, volunteers, and attendees all contributed
to the warmest and most engaging environment “Now, we prepare for another year
for school business officials. Numerous people, and another adventure into the
including both of our keynote speakers, Craig
Karges and Christine Cashen, commented that strange and wonderful world of
not only do we work hard but AASBO really K-12 business management.”
goes all-in with a welcoming atmosphere and a
real commitment to engaging in the conference

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4 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2023