Page 5 - AASBO EDGE Summer 2023 WEB

Although I’ll have the opportunity to do this again when President of AASBO, before I could even include the
the gavel is passed to our President-Elect at the annual potential time commitment and what that might mean,
conference, I want to thank those who, to use the AASBO you emphatically responded with, “YES!” I appreciate
term, “strongly encouraged” me to consider serving in your mentorship, leadership, and your continuous
this capacity. This adventure has been an excellent support by attending AASBO events and championing
opportunity for personal and professional growth and I my efforts, and more than I could ever express. Lastly,
owe a deep sense of gratitude to so many. Through this and although not likely to read this because they don’t
experience, I have gained valuable and long-lasting receive The Edge, thanks to my family. My wife,
friendships, tremendous opportunities for networking Lyndsay, has spent many days and nights operating as
where I’m likely to call, text, email, or send a carrier a single parent, as I travel to various functions related
pigeon (that’s a little sketchy in the summer months!) on to AASBO from the southwest corner of the state. Even
a regular basis as an opportunity to learn and grow from though our children are great (clearly, they take after
them. I have yet to run into a circumstance in which their mother!) the partnership that we formed doesn’t
someone within the AASBO community wasn’t willing operate as intended when one of us is missing. I very
to listen or help. much appreciate her and her willingness to shoulder the
load so that I could be present and available for this
Thanks to the current and previous AASBO board position as a Board of Director member. OK, everyone,
members and staff that I’ve had the opportunity to learn calm down! It hasn’t been all bad for her. She’s been
able to accompany me on some AASBO-related trips
and she and our kids never miss an opportunity to go to
the annual conference. Lyndsay, you’ve done a terrific
job, and I love you!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also thank Don Harris. Don,
his wife Joanne and their three children moved to
Arizona from Chicago in 1973 and has served as a key
member of Arizona’s journalism and public information
community. Don is a quiet and vital part of the success
of this publication. Don edits each of my submissions
and works hard to make me seem smarter than I really
am. Clearly, he’s got a tough job. Thanks Don, and I
Chief Flagman for the NASCAR Cup Series, hope that this paragraph is included in the printed issue!
Rodney Wise, waves the white flag at Las Vegas
Motor Speedway | Photo Credit: 2012 Ron
Kantowski, Las Vegas Review-Journal As we take the final turn and approach the checkered
flag for this school year (maybe this is the last NASCAR
from and grow with. You’ve allowed me to be creative, reference), whatever you choose to do this summer,
consider new ideas, and look for ways to implement however you wish to spend it, be safe and enjoy the
solutions. Thanks to my tremendous team at Crane ride. Looking forward to seeing you all in Tucson for
Elementary School District! It sounds cliché, but without AASBO’s 70th Annual Conference and Exposition, the
your help – this opportunity is not possible. As expected, School Business Officials of the Round Table: AASBO
each of you have continued to operate the district in my – Together in service for all.
absence and without anyone really noticing that I was
even gone. Should I have included that? Dale Ponder serves as President on the AASBO Board
of Directors and as the Chief of Finance & Operations
Thanks also to my superintendent, Laurie Doering, for for Crane Elementary School District in Yuma.
your ongoing encouragement and support. When I first
approached you about considering running for Vice

5