It seems just yesterday we watched graduates proudly walking across the stage.  What an honor to know that we met our promise to the graduates who now capably step into their future. Yet in just a few tomorrows, we will begin again with new promises to keep for next year’s students. What will we promise?  ACSA has been asking itself the very same question, “What will ACSA promise?” Almost two years ago, a group gathered to revise the Mission Statement. Our mission became a clear statement of leadership for a world-class education system and inspired educational leaders who meet the diverse needs of all California students. It is our promise — a promise of equity and excellence for all students. Shortly after, ACSA gathered representatives from our regions, committees/councils, staff, and Board of Directors, representing the diversity of our membership, job positions, and service areas including districts and counties that vary by location, income, size, and the diversity of students we serve.  The group asked themselves, “What must ACSA do to realize our mission?” The representatives shared insights and experiences in ACSA and asked all ACSA members to share their perspectives as well. Together we set a strategic direction from 2018-19 to 2020-21. Three critical areas emerged as ACSA’s promise to the future: Membership Development and Support, Advocacy and Influence, and Organizational Development and Sustainability. A clarion call for leadership and service to achieve equity and excellence supports the mission and strategic direction. ACSA finished Year One of the Strategic Plan on course — promise kept. (You can view Executive Director Wes Smith’s excellent Prezi of the milestones accomplished in Year One at .)  As we enter Year Two of the Strategic Plan, it is more important than ever that our efforts impact our regions and charters, as well as the state level, to more fully realize our promise for equity and excellence for all students.   Each year, the ACSA president identifies a theme for their year of service and leadership. As ACSA president this year, I have pondered the choice of a theme to identify my year of service and leadership. Put another way, I have asked myself, “What will I promise?”  My lifetime commitment is to ensure that all students have access and success in excellent schools. ACSA’s Strategic Plan outlines its commitment to the leaders needed for all students. With both of these in mind, I selected a theme: “Charting our Course to Equity and Excellence.” I know three things about this theme: It is essential for the future of our students and our state; it is challenging and our greatest contribution to the future; and it can only be achieved in collaboration with inspired and excellent educational leaders — that means you.  Please join me this year as we Chart our Course to Equity and Excellence.