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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
AASBO Members – Thanks for an Incredible Job

e Essence of Leadership
Now Let’s Get Ready for an Exciting Virtual 67th Annual Conference
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
Words cannot begin to describe how proud I am of how AASBO webinars they have put together keeping AASBO members
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
members and school districts have met the challenges that we all informed. Of course, I’m grateful for the solid partnerships we have
elected as President to the Association of School
have faced over the past several months. What an incredible job established with the Arizona School Boards Association, Arizona
Business O cials International, I was charged

you have done facing circumstances beyond what anybody could School Administrators and the Arizona Department of Education
with the task to come up with a theme for my

ever have imagined. At AASBO, we appreciate everything the
presidency. e theme I chose was something – an outstanding example of teamwork during challenging times.
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
administrators, CFOs and support staff have done and are continuing
others to dream more, learn more and become I am really excited about our upcoming, first ever, Virtual
to do as new challenges and changes pop up daily and at times hourly

more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy Annual Conference and Exposition on October 28-30 and hoping
– things you can or can’t do. And always without complaining.
Adams captures the essence of leadership and everyone will set aside the time to attend what is going to be a
lays the foundation I would like to focus on great conference. We’ll have about 40 excellent breakout sessions,
this year as I share some of the views from my
messages as ASBO International President. in track format just like we always do. AASBO members will
Leadership is one of the most important be able to sign up for the sessions they want to view. Afterward,

roles for school business o cials – and it is also they’ll also be able to view workshops they didn’t “attend” for
one of the most challenging responsibilities. up to 90 days. What’s more, we’ll have three General Sessions
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t featuring two incredible keynotes – Doug Lipp, who led the Disney
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s University training team at the Walt Disney Studios earlier in his
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision, career, and Col. Arthur Athens, former Director of the U.S. Naval
Engage and Empower are essential elements of Academy’s Center for Ethical Leadership, a virtual Exhibit Hall,
leadership. a virtual duck race, a scavenger hunt and other games and prizes.
Envision: One of the most important traits of
For example, operational tasks involve keeping work spaces properly
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision We also have something very special for our vendors and we
separated, taking temperatures and other health screening steps,
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant certainly appreciate all of the support we receive from them.
wearing face coverings, and making sure elevators, restrooms and
concept of what the organization should stand
facilities are cleaner than ever. Procurement has always had many Depending on what they choose, vendors will have their own booths,
for and strive for now and in the future.
rules and regulations, and now meetings are held electronically. In have a full day to show the products and services they offer and
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
addition, products and services never before on a school district’s the ability to showcase their products all three days, network with
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
shopping list have become vitally important. Getting computers members, the option to sponsor a number of events, and much more!
Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive
to students, bandwidth issues, and new software are just a few
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual
of the challenges facing IT departments. Let’s not forget about

It’s going to be a really exciting event – educational and entertaining.
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result.
Food Service employees who provided meals to students and It’s just another way to show our appreciation for how hard AASBO
Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
their families throughout a blistering summer. And thanks to the members have been working to stay ahead of the challenges.
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
Payroll people for keeping those checks coming, and Accounting
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
for making sure vendors are paid. Our Transportation members
“Words cannot begin to describe
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
have the added responsibility of not only keeping students safe,
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
but keeping them healthy as well. When it comes to school how proud I am of how AASBO
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided

finance issues, our policymakers in Arizona and Congress have
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. members and school districts
our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
been providing the resources that enable K-12 schools to carry

Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona
out their mission – educating kids. All this while focusing on have met the challenges that we all
leaders create an environment that expects — even demands Superintendent of Public Instruction, brought back fond
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce have faced over the past several
the health and safety of anyone who enters a school building and
memories for all of us.
providing for the education of our students in our new virtual world. I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students
months.”
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
I also want to commend our AASBO staff – Chuck Essigs, Ana t Conference for their accomplishments.
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellen

in our supportive responsibilities, our education sta can focus Finally – a reminder. Our rst bimonthly meeting of the new

Sanchez, Audrey Hawthorne, and Jeff Gadd – for the informational

on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!
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6 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2020
6 THE EDGE | BACK TO SCHOOL 2019