The mission of SSA is to provide a united voice for school superintendents in our state. SSA promotes public education in Alabama and the nation; is the leading advocate for children and youth in our state; provides a forum for discussion of educational issues and organizational values; provides professional development to promote the efficient operation of the office of school superintendent; develops new superintendents and the superintendent’s leadership team; and disseminates to members pertinent information about public education.

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS of Alabama is the only association in Alabama for all school superintendents and members of their leadership team. There are approximately 725 members, including 132 public school systems, individual, retired, associate, and business members.

SSA is a professional non-profit organization comprised of superintendents and school system leaders from across Alabama who are committed to improving education for Alabama’s children. SSA has a full-time office staff who represent your viewpoint year-round in a definitive voice with the Legislature, Governor’s Office, and other policy making bodies including the State Board of Education and keep you informed of important issues.

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS of Alabama is divided into nine districts. Each district elects a District President who is responsible for 1) establishing meetings of the district and setting time and place for such meetings, and 2) representing the district on the Board of Directors. The District President communicates the concerns and issues of superintendents in the district to the board and communicates from the board to the district. The Board of Directors is composed of 9 district presidents, 4 executive officers, 4 CLAS board members, and at least 2 AASA governing board members.

SSA is prepared to serve you and your leadership team in the upcoming school year. Membership in the SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS of Alabama provides the superintendent and up to four other system leaders the superintendent designates with

• Professional Development Conferences
• District Meetings
• Awards and Scholarships
• Assistance to Superintendents
• Policymaking Influence
• Legislative Influence
• New Superintendent Development
  • Strategic Planning Program
  • Executive Coaching
  • Contract Assistance

Three professional development conferences are held each year. A Fall Conference is usually held in the north part of the state during the third week of October and usually emphasizes instructional leadership with a program developed by the state department of education. SSA meetings occur during the conference, including a meeting of the Awards and Scholarship and Conference Planning Committees. The Legislative Conference is held in Montgomery in conjunction with the beginning of the Legislative Session and includes a Legislative Reception for superintendents and their legislative delegation. The focus is always on the upcoming session, budget priorities, improving our lobbying skill, timely topics, and development of legislative relations. The conference is planned by the SSA staff and officers and geared to connect legislative priorities of SSA, superintendents, and legislative leaders. The Summer Conference is always held at the beach or nearby, with training designed for the System Leadership Team and Superintendent. SSA strives to coordinate with the Alabama Association of School Boards so that conferences are back-to-back, allowing superintendents to more readily attend both conferences.

All districts establish their own meeting times and places. Most districts choose a regular day and week of each month to meet, such as the third Friday at lunch. These meetings provide opportunity for networking, sharing ideas and innovations, discussing issues and concerns. Much of the actions of SSA come from issues shared through district meetings. District meetings also provide an opportunity for business members to network with superintendents and share information about their business. Arrangements can be made through the district president.

SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS of Alabama encourages excellence in school practice and has an interest in the development of effective leadership not only now, but in the future. To that end, SSA offers awards for practicing superintendents and scholarships for future teachers and school and system leaders. SSA also processes state winners for national scholarship programs through the American Association of School Administrators for Alabama students attending public schools. SSA believes the future of our state is built on the promotion and development of quality teachers and offers student scholarships for those planning a career in education. SSA also offers scholarships to teachers planning to enter school administration.

Strategic Planning Program
SSA provides a planning program at each conference for superintendents in their first two years on the job. With the guidance of veteran and retired superintendents, they review and discuss upcoming activities essential for an effective system and, in a “safe environment”, discuss concerns and issues.
 
Executive Coaching
SSA has 33 veteran superintendents trained in the Executive Coaching Model. Each new superintendent from a member system is matched with the right executive coach to work with him/her during the first year. Coaches make at least 8 contacts during the year, at least 4 contacts in person to review personnel, budget, and other issues.
 
Contract Assistance
SSA provides sample contracts, contract clauses, and discussions with superintendents upon being appointed to a member system.