The national School Superintendents Association has selected the Hermiston School District as one of four school districts across the country as a 2023 fall “Lighthouse System.”
The School Superintendents Association — formerly the American Association of School Administrators — is the nation’s premier organization serving school district leadership across the country.
Hermiston School District announced the recognition in a press release Nov. 2.
HSD, along with the other selected designates, is a member of AASA’s Learning 2025 Network, a cadre of more than 150 demonstration systems representing learner-centered, future-driven urban, suburban and rural school districts engaged in working together to help drive education policy and, ultimately, improve student learning.
“Being named a Lighthouse System is a credit to everyone in the Hermiston district and community that has come together to support our students,” said Hermiston School District Superintendent Tricia Mooney. “The recognition highlights the successful collaboration and synergy between our district stakeholders and partners to provide the best educational environment for all Hermiston students. This award represents the essence of what makes Hermiston a great place to live, to work, and to raise a family.”
Grounded in the foundational work of the AASA Learning 2025 National Commission and inspired by the commission’s report, “An American Imperative: A New Vision of Public Schools,” the AASA Learning 2025 Network aims to transform education, enhance student achievement and ensure no learner is marginalized.
In addition to Hermiston School District, other new AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Systems include Beaver Area School District, in Beaver, Pennsylvania, and Montrose County School District, in Montrose, Colorado, each with areas on future-ready learners, and the Seneca Valley School District, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, with its area of focus on social emotional-cognitive growth.
The four districts will be honored during a ceremony at the Feb. 14, 2024 Learning 2025 luncheon at AASA’s National Conference on Education in San Diego. Each superintendent will be presented with a crystal lighthouse and banner.
“Using the word ‘Lighthouse’ should not be seen as a label, but rather a concept for school districts to learn and grow with one another and give voice to educational leaders who want to be part of shaping the conversation and practice around the future of education,” said Mort Sherman, senior associate executive director, AASA. “AASA is distinctly positioned to represent leaders across the country, drawing from our vast set of resources, and personalizing and customizing our service to each school district.”
Systems were reviewed based on strategies and recommendations developed by the commission.
Redesign component indicators included:
- Social Emotional-Cognitive Growth
- Future-ready Learners
- Cognitive Growth Model
- Learners as Co-authors
- Diverse Educator Pipeline
- Early Learning
- Technology-enhanced Learning
- Community Alignment
