Dear Region 18 ACSA Members,
It is my honor to be serving you as President of the Association of California School Administrators, San Diego and Imperial Counties (Region 18). Furthermore, I want to welcome you to what will truly be an exciting year as we embark on the 55th year of ACSA, the largest professional educator leadership affiliation in the country, established in 1971!
Our region is home to so many talented and dedicated professionals who always place students at the forefront of their numerous responsibilities. In this case, students become our “why” and those we are privileged to lead and support in this endeavor: educators, families, and communities, all have a significant role in supporting the dreams of those we are fortunate to serve. As our mission states, “ACSA is to advocate in the best interests of students and to develop, empower, and inspire equity-minded educational leaders.” This couldn’t be truer today as Region 18 leaders have the ability to promote and engage in the many opportunities that focus on this mission this year.
Opportunities to consider for your direct involvement, while also providing professional development to those you lead and mentor, include San Diego hosting the ACSA State Leadership Summit, the various Academies, which provide some of the best practical training for educators, and continuing to advance ACSA membership through your words and actions in your local school district. Our strength ensures the stakeholders in our care grow our profession in an ever-changing world. They rely on us, as leaders, to create the conditions for them to thrive.
Much like you, I’m filled with excitement and tremendous optimism. As a new school year approaches, we embrace the endless potential that fills our school communities. I encourage all of us to remain committed, share our interests with fellow colleagues, and create time to reflect, so we may continue to be the best version of ourselves. Through our collective collaboration, we strengthen the outcomes of the students, staff, and families we serve. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John Maxwell
I’m looking forward to this year’s journey with you!
With Gratitude,
Jay C. Marquand, Ph.D.
Sweetwater Union High School District
San Diego, South County
ACSA Region 18 President