Director's View: Winding Down the Fall Semester

Dr. Vic Wilson, Executive Director CLAS

I trust this issue of the CLAS Leader Magazine finds you wrapping up a successful first semester. To say this semester has been challenging would be a huge understatement. In many cases, the fall semester was worse than all of 2020 due to COVID. At the start of the 2020 school year, we had a clear picture that the year would be anything but normal. However, at the start of the 2021 school year, we fully expected a much more normal year, and sadly, that was not the case. Many of us faced more COVID-related issues this fall than last year in total. The fact that you have managed to grow and thrive is a testament to your leadership.

The fall semester has included the aforementioned COVID issues as well as normal daily activities in education. We have seen excellence occurring in every corner of our state and in many different aspects. Academics, Athletics, and Arts have been showcased in almost every school in every district. Your leadership has been integral in the great things going on in your schools. CLAS stands ready to assist you in showcasing your events and assisting with leadership needs when and where we can.

The fall semester has also brought not one, but two special sessions of the legislature. The first dealt with prison and prison reform measures, and the second dealt with the redistricting requirement that follows the census. Neither session included educational issues. That will not be the case in the regular session that begins in January. Stay tuned on that front and be ready to assist when educational bills are discussed. Our 2022 Legislative Platform will be voted on by the CLAS Board at the December meeting, and we will get this information to everyone as soon as possible thereafter.

Leadership is critical to the success of our schools, and our goal at CLAS is to help you as much as possible on your leadership journey. Dr. Demica Sanders and the entire professional learning staff work very hard to provide impactful professional learning for our members, and we encourage you to engage with her about your needs moving forward. We also ask that you take the surveys we provide at our events. The feedback you give us is critical to future success. We take pride in our work, and we need your help to ensure that we continue to provide what you need to lead successfully.

I know that the spring 2022 semester will be a success for you. We will have ups and downs, but at the end of the year, everyone will be able to proclaim, “Job well done.” As always, let us know how we can help you in your endeavor.

Warmest regards, Dr. Vic Wilson