Much to Think About in the New Year.

Since becoming president of AASA in July, the year has virtually flashed past. I have worried that as events have come and gone so fast, they might become a blur. Therefore, I thought it best to give you a six-month report as we enter a new year and as we move even closer to a new century and a new millenium. The opportunity to be with school leaders in so many settings has been a blessing that I cherish.

One of the most vivid recollections was a trip to Alaska and the Yukon. Alaska's state executive Steve McPhetres hosted Carol and me during this speaking engagement that included time to enjoy the gorgeous countryside. We found good people everywhere, saw the effects of rural poverty, found some newspapers a little dated, but noticed modern communications all over these vast regions. For instance, people are using the AASA web site and appreciating the information it provides.

We saw and learned about the marvels of the Alaska pipeline and the resurgence of the mining, fishing, timber and tourism industries. We looked into the beautiful faces of the children, great strong American kids shaped by the diversity of their Native American heritage. These young people have also been molded by the Russian history of the area and the uniqueness of people from the lower 48 states, who have been drawn to the last frontier. I was impressed by their strength and love of the outdoors.

In the midst of this great and beautiful countryside, I was once again reminded by people I met about the challenges of finding teachers to go to faraway places. I learned that many of these beautiful children live in considerable poverty in rural regions. How would they survive if safety nets were pulled out from under them? The great news is that school people are in there pushing to make a difference.

Looking into the eyes of those Alaskan kids made news of the adoption of the federal budget even more dramatic. While that budget contains many good things for children, it was clear that money for health insurance for our kids would not stretch far enough. Thousands of kids would still be without coverage. My impatience causes me to ask why don't we provide a suitable umbrella for all of these children? Cuts in budgets are fine, but I'll forego a tax cut if all children get insurance. Wouldn't you?

Heading out of Juneau, we took one more look at the beautiful harbor, the huge Mendenhall Glacier and the snow-covered mountains. As we flew home I read an article about Marriott Corporation's fine efforts to employ people coming off welfare. The first wave just needed some training, encouragement and an employer who would give them a chance. Then Marriott offered employment to people on welfare whose problems were more dramatic. The training was more extensive, the level of understanding was greater, and the second chances were numerous. However, the mountain was too tall for many of them to climb.

As each of us in AASA sifts through the barrage of good and bad things we bump into each day, as we prepare for our successes and endure our failures, as we try so very hard to extend the joys and opportunities of many of our children to all our kids, we hope to sustain our passion for justice and opportunity for every child. Franklin Roosevelt said it well for us: "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."