Page 4 - The EDGE Summer 2024

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

BY RUSSELL DENEAULT
Taking the Next Step Forward in

Your Personal Growth
Russell Deneault

Autumn is traditionally the season of change but least affiliated with a member closely enough that
I feel it’s more appropriate, as an Arizonan, a you’re reading their literature. Congratulations!
school business official, and a leader of AASBO, What’s your next step forward? If you haven’t
that we place that label firmly upon the summer attended bi-monthly meetings or the conferences
season. It is time to fortify ourselves against the yet, consider starting there. Join us at a professional
escalating temperatures as the school year comes development or membership meeting. You will be
to a close, students are promoting, and a new batch introduced to some of the most welcoming and
of candidates declare themselves for election in supporting people you can imagine. Even if you’re
AASBO. not quite sure of how you can contribute to these
groups, your presence and voice is valuable and
I feel all of these things personally right now. I contributing might come more easily than you
feel the air blowing inside, cool and refreshing. I think.
feel the sense of the summer technology projects
rush coming quick and pressing. I feel the change If you’ve already stepped into active participation,
at home where I am preparing to celebrate the maybe you’re ready to think about becoming a
promotion of our kindergarten and 8th-grade girls leader. Say hello to one of our current AASBO
at the same time. Finally, I feel the anticipation Board members – ask questions about our
of turning over the presidency to Francie and experiences and own personal journeys leading
welcoming a number of (at the time of writing this us here. I love sharing my personal story and I’m
article) unknown new board members to the team confident that every other AASBO Board member
at this year’s annual conference. feels the same. Think about your next 1-3 years
and how you might be ready to take on that next
"I want to use this final message challenge when that time is right. Personally, I

to continue encouraging you to didn’t “feel” ready for any of those steps leading to
this year but the spirit of collaboration and support
take that next step, just beyond you’ll feel from every single person you talk to,

your current comfort zone, into the even a potential rival candidate, can help to carry
next phase of your own personal you forward. If you have the support to do so from
your leadership back in the office, the support to
growth." help you continue growing and become an AASBO

leader is here for you, too.
I want to use this final message to continue
encouraging you to take that next step, just beyond There are so many people I need to thank for
your current comfort zone, into the next phase of bolstering me through my AASBO Board journey
your own personal growth. You’re reading The over these past seven years. I have had the pleasure
Edge – that means you’re an AASBO member or at of working with two Executive Directors, David

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4 THE EDGE SUMMER 2024