July 1, 2024
“Courageous Leadership: Leading with Heart and Mind”
ACSA Region 6 Members,
Happy New Year! A few years back, a superintendent colleague welcomed our district administrative team by saying, as educators, we are the luckiest people in the world because we get to celebrate the new year twice – once in August (school year) and the other (calendar year) in January. Two opportunities to start fresh, try something out, have a do over, or a second opportunity at a fresh start. I have always loved that salutation because it perfectly describes the gift that, used wisely, can build energy and excitement in a school district or on a school site.
As we start this new year, our Region 6 theme is “Courageous Leadership: Leading with Heart and Mind.” The theme is an extension on the work of my colleagues Region 6 Past President Raul Zamora “Leading with our Hearts” and Past, Past President Tracie Noriega, “Leading for Justice, a Work of Heart.” Besides showing Courageous Leadership with our Hearts and Mind, I want to echo the words of State ACSA Past President / Region 6 member, Parvin Ahmadi, “Leaders show clear intent to do what is right for children – all children. Turning that intent into action, takes intentional work, requires courage and demands attention to visible and invisible barriers that maintain the status quo.” I believe Parvin’s words perfectly sum up the urgency of our work.
Our 2024-2025 theme reminds us to be bold, be courageous, be strategic and keep our constituents close to our hearts and minds. I urge you to seek out the opportunity to celebrate this new school year. Celebrate your plans and goals and the people around your work each day. And then, after the August to October rush, reflect back on the first third of the school year and plan for the next new year in January.
I am excited to welcome all of you back for another year of meaningful ACSA leadership work and collaboration. I am thrilled to serve as President of Region 6, and I look forward to serving alongside you this school year. Happy New Year!
Onward,
Matt Chamberlain
Region 6 President (24-25)
Region 6 Past Presidents
2023-24 Raul Zamora
2022-23 Tracie Noriega
2021-22 Mark Neal
2020-21 Jacob Berg
2019-20 Pam VandeKamp
2018-19 Sonja Neely-Johnson
2017-18 Essence Phillips
2016-17 Steve Collins
2015-16 Janet Haun
2014-15 Rob Stockberger
2013-14 Linda Hutcherson
2012-13 Steven France
2011-12 Karen Sakata
2010-11 Teresa Kapellas
2009-10 Rose Lock
2008-09 Kale Alderson
2007-08 Marie McClaskey
2006-07 Belen Magers
2005-06 Jim Negri
2004-05 Evie Groch
2003-04 Joe Ovick
2002-03 Cyril Bonanno
2001-02 Peggy Green
2000-01 Cynthia Galbo