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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
Certainty in Uncertain Times

e Essence of Leadership
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
You cannot turn on the news or read the uncertainties – I like to think of them as
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
paper without coming to the realization that challenges – include dealing with a possible
elected as President to the Association of School

Business O cials International, I was charged
we have been and still are living in uncertain cyber attack when our focus might be elsewhere
with the task to come up with a theme for my
and challenging times and there are more and the unprecedented technology needs we
presidency. e theme I chose was something

unpredictable challenges ahead. We as school faced during a transition to remote learning.
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
business officials are dealing with Inflation
others to dream more, learn more and become

– increases in gas prices, car prices, housing Possibly one of the biggest uncertainties is:
more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
prices, plus personnel shortages, supply chain when will the pandemic be over? When will
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
snags that are delaying deliveries of food, Covid be of no more consequence than getting
this year as I share some of the views from my
supplies and equipment. All of which can an annual flu shot? It seems we have gotten past
messages as ASBO International President.
impede our ability to provide our communities the worst of it as students are back in school,
Leadership is one of the most important

roles for school business o cials – and it is also but we don’t know what is coming next.
with the needed services.
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
This year’s Legislature was filled with issues of
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
concern, some of which landed in the courts – On the other hand, here’s what I have no
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
even all the way to the Arizona Supreme Court. doubt about. I’m certain that we have the most
leadership.
Their ultimate outcome and impact is still dedicated group of individuals in any kind
Envision: One of the most important traits of
unknown. Of course, there is more education- of business. School business officials are not
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
related uncertainty looming over the upcoming the type to complain or whine. They remain
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
session of the Legislature, as well.
concept of what the organization should stand focused on solving the issues at hand. They
for and strive for now and in the future. have networks of colleagues who are eager to
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
Aside from these challenges, there are funding help each other and to learn from one another
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
issues or lack of adequate funding. We have – networks that SBOs can call on and count
Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive
had to deal with new federal grant money, on to get information they need to solve and
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
how to account for it, what the impact of the overcome pandemic-caused challenges. School
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
pandemic would have on those funds and our business officials work together to utilize and
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
ability to provide for the needs of our school share best practices – in the worst of times.
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
districts. This, too, is still unclear.
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
What I am certain about is that AASBO will
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
These are issues – uncertainties – that we didn’t always be there, providing the professional
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
even think about just a few years ago and can development and networking opportunities,
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
result in abrupt changes. We’ve had to adjust – resources and the most up-to-date information
Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona

leaders create an environment that expects — even demands Superintendent of Public Instruction, brought back fond
and adjust we did. that our members can use to do their jobs better.
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce memories for all of us.
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
A school district’s legal liability in navigating We have made it through other difficulties,
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
Covid-related rules, regulations and executive going back to the 1990s and the 2000s, when
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
orders has been mind-boggling. Other we faced zero funding increases and sometimes
Finally – a reminder. Our rst bimonthly meeting of the new

in our supportive responsibilities, our education sta can focus

on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!
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