“We have consistently had the mission to support administrators in providing a high-quality education to the students of Florida,” says Michele White, FASA’s executive director. The organization maintains an ambitious scope, serving approximately 3 million students statewide through its support of school leaders. “We strive to make sure that if we mean every student, then we mean every leader, and trying to make sure that they’re prepared and able to serve their teachers, their communities, and of course those students in that educational process.” BALANCING ADVOCACY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FASA operates on two fundamental pillars: professional learning and legislative advocacy. While many education associations focus primarily on policy battles, FASA allocates most of its resources toward equipping administrators with practical knowledge and skills. “I would say most of our work is probably around professional learning and providing information to our members,” White notes. “We spend a significant amount of our efforts just making sure that they know what is happening.” This information dissemination proves essential as Florida’s educational policies shift rapidly, requiring administrators to adapt quickly to new requirements and initiatives. The association’s advocacy work remains strategically focused. FASA engages exclusively at the state level, working with legislators in Tallahassee rather than intervening in local district politics. “On the policy side, we are certainly engaged in the legislative world and in the capitol here in Tallahassee,” White explains.“We set certain priorities for the year with our board and our legislative committee to make sure that what is currently impacting our schools is what carries us forward.” Board members and legislative committees identify pain points affecting school leaders statewide, from funding formulas to certification requirements. Recent legislative priorities include addressing the state’s critical teacher shortage, and securing adequate funding for mental health services. FASA advocates competitive teacher salaries and multiyear contracts to improve retention rates. The organization also monitors proposed budget cuts that could eliminate funding for Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs, and career certification initiatives, all vital for student success. FROM COVID CRISIS TO VIRTUAL INNOVATION The pandemic forced educational organizations worldwide to reimagine their operations, but FASA emerged as an unexpected pioneer in virtual learning delivery.“FASA was actually one of the very 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (FASA)
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