Thank You – from SAANYS Executive Director Kevin Casey

At this time of year, I typically write a column wishing everyone the best for the holiday season, and in a statement of the obvious, urge readers to take advantage of the break to engage in self-care and family time. As I write those words, I am fully aware that no one really needs me to tell them to do that. Some things are intuitive. 

Around this time of year we typically have a good idea of some of the legislative and regulatory priorities that we are likely to face after the holidays, and this year is no different. There is concern that this will be a tough budget year.  We know that foundation aid is under review and may be modified. The Rockefeller Institute Foundation Aid Study offers legislators several options regarding school funding, and SAANYS will be actively involved in the process of weighing the pros and cons of those options.   

We can also expect some legislative proposal regarding how cell phones and other internet connected devices may be utilized in schools. Many of our members report that their districts and/or buildings already have a policy or practice regulating internet connected devices, but those policies and practices differ, and that is the crux of the issue.  Will the governor propose a one-size-fits-all dictate from Albany, or will there be latitude for individual districts to create policies deemed to be responsive to local needs? On the regulatory front, we expect regulations that hopefully will provide clarity on both APPR and regionalization.  

Lastly, after eighteen years as the SAANYS executive director, and twenty-four years with SAANYS, I will retire effective this December 31. Jennifer Carlson, the current SAANYS deputy executive director becomes the next SAANYS executive director on January 1, 2025.  She is both experienced and accomplished and I am confident she will provide strong leadership to our association for many years to come. She will have the benefit, as I did, of a committed board of directors made up of building and program leaders from around the state, as well as a highly professional staff. She will also have as a significant resource the statewide network of unit presidents.  Over the years, I came to the conclusion that the unit presidents, mostly unpaid, under-appreciated and overworked, form a foundation for our association upon which not only local members rely, but also our state board members and our staff. The unit presidents are close to the ground on how laws and regulations interact with the real world.  They are typically respected by their colleagues and engage in regular conversation with them. They experience both negotiating and personnel issues and usually fill the pipeline of regional executive committee, government relations committee and state board of directors’ members. I don’t believe we would operate as nearly as effectively as we do without them, and I want to include an express and sincere statement of appreciation for their efforts. They provide valuable services to their peers both on the local and state levels, and exercise a positive influence on educational affairs regardless of whether that is their intent or not.  

The past twenty-four years have been mostly fun, with occasional frustrations and challenges that come with all professional positions. I have had the privilege of working with many outstanding people, and if I could go back and do it again, I wouldn’t change a thing. It has been a real honor working with you and for you.  Thank you for the opportunity.   

Respectfully, 

Kevin Casey