It is very good to be with all of you as your president for one more conference. We are here in Kalamazoo continuing our theme of Transforming the Path to High Student Achievement–A Peer-to-Peer Sharecase. 

Frankly, I’m glad to be with my friends and learning colleagues. What an end to the 2012 calendar year! On top of all that we are expected to do in our roles as leaders, the last few months have stretched us with incredible challenges. We stayed on top of critical issues politically in the most active Lame Duck session I can remember. Then, in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Connecticut, we were thrust into working with our staffs and communities to ensure our schools are safe. I hope all of you have had some time to enjoy the holidays and come to this conference ready to help inspire each other.

With that in mind, be ready to support all those MASA members who have been chosen to present in our clinic sessions. Do stay through the end of the conference. On Friday morning three of your colleagues will present stories of success through a unique IGNITE! format. You won’t be disappointed! 

The conference planning committee, chaired by Mike O’Mara, as well as the staff of MASA has worked hard to make this conference well worth your time. Your colleagues from West Michigan, the MASA Executive Board and staff, as well as the management and team of the Kalamazoo Radisson are looking forward to hosting you as we continue to Lead Forward.

We are a strong and caring Professional Learning Community. Take time to welcome newer superintendents and make sure to thank the many great sponsors who have joined us for this event. 

Let this conference help to make 2013 the best yet!

Sincerely,

Mary M. Vratanina 

MASA President
Superintendent, Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD