Welcome back for another school year! A new school year brings with it a new set of challenges, but also new opportunities to create a positive impact and empower your students as they maximize their potential. 

This year, schools will open their doors with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) nearly in full effect. Most states have submitted-or very soon will submit-their ESSA plans with input from local education agencies, school leaders, teachers, parents, and yes, students. I encourage you to read the Roundtable discussion in this issue of Principal Leadership, which focuses on these ESSA implementation concerns and provides advice on issues principals should focus their advocacy on.

Yet as this magazine goes to press, NASSP is battling a budget proposal that would eliminate funding for Title II, Part A, a portion of which is dedicated to principal development. You might recall that NASSP led a coalition campaign that resulted in ESSA language encouraging states to set aside a portion of Title II, Part A funds specifically for principal development. Additionally, we advocated to shorten the list of “allowable uses” for Title II, Part A funds so that professional development needs were no longer watered down. Unfortunately, the same House of Representatives that voted to pass ESSA is now considering defunding those crucial provisions.

Please know that NASSP remains vigilant in its advocacy for school leadership on Capitol Hill. And as you navigate the nuances of an increasingly complex principalship, we are here to support you and celebrate your success along the way. With the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the American Federation of School Administrators, we are once again designating October as National Principals Month in honor of your hard work and dedication. October is also when we will announce the 2018 NASSP National Principal of the Year, an award that recognizes outstanding middle level and high school principals.  

Thank you for your work in ensuring the success of our nation’s schools and, ultimately, our students. All the best in your endeavors this year and beyond.  

JoAnn Bartoletti 
Executive Director, NASSP