A Spotlight on Those Deserving.

Since January 1986, every issue of The School Administrator has carried a profile of a noteworthy educational leader, typically an AASA member who's been nominated for such attention by a colleague, a state association executive or a member of the association's headquarters staff.

That feature of your monthly magazine continues to this day because of the importance we place on spotlighting the exemplary work of individuals in school system leadership whose thoughtful actions on behalf of school-age children do not always capture the public fancy of even those in their own communities.

The profiles have grown in length and depth over the years. The first, running all of seven paragraphs, focused on John Murphy, then the superintendent in Prince George's County, Md. (and, ironically, one of the featured contributors to this issue). Today's profiles run three times as long and, as part of our magazine's redesign last fall, they include an extra touch of human interest-something we box and label "Bio Stats," containing the inside scoop on the subject's best professional day, books at bedside and his or her biggest blooper on the job.

This month's profile subject, Hal Gurhrie of Spring Branch, Texas, is a perfect match for the cover theme of decision making. Wherever he's worked as an administrator, Guthrie has been committed wholeheartedly to moving the key decisions to the school sites, and his efforts in Texas have served as the model for statewide legislation that mandates the creation of school councils. He even draws a rave from his teachers union.

Guthrie is No. 135 in our continuing series. If you have an administrative colleague at the district or state level whom you believe to be deserving of a future profile because of a distinguished professional record, an unusual background or a unique skill, I hope you will share your nominations with me for our consideration. We would appreciate your suggestions.

Jay P. Goldman

Voice: 703-875-0745

E-mail: [e-mail]