Chatham's LaSusa Named Superintendent Of The Year

CHATHAM, NJ - School District of the Chathams Michael LaSusa was chosen as one of the three regional Superintendents of the Year by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA).

"All three regional superintendents are dedicated, hard-working professionals who continually strive to improve the quality of education for all students. They are remarkable chief education officers with vision, imagination, and compassion for the students they serve," NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard G. Bozza said.

According to the NJASA, "as chief education officer of the School District of the Chathams – a comprehensive public school district serving a well-resourced community that has a well-earned reputation for excellence and has garnered recognition at the county, state and national level – Region I winner Dr. LaSusa has demonstrated his dynamic educational leadership ability in a manner that prioritizes balance and student well-being above all else."

LaSusa said that NJASA is the New Jersey branch of the national Association of School Administrators and is involved in advocacy work on behalf of school districts, professional training of school administrators, and leadership work that helps provide direction to New Jersey's school leaders.

"I have served on the NJASA Legislative Committee for the past two years and I am grateful for the wisdom and assistance that NJASA staff and members have provided me," LaSusa said.

The next step in the process for the three regional winners will be the selection of a New Jersey candidate to participate in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year Award. A committee of NJASA Past Presidents and former Regional Superintendents of the Year will select the 2019 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year. The program, now in its 32nd year and sponsored by First Student, VALIC, and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation’s public schools.

"It is a nice recognition for both me and for the school district," LaSusa said.

The selection qualifications for the State and National Superintendent of the Year include: meeting the needs of their students, demonstrated communication strength, a commitment to professional development and growth, and significant community involvement. Additionally, at the state and regional levels, NJASA has an additional qualification that addresses service with the county affiliate and NJASA.

AASA will announce the National Superintendent of the Year at its Annual Conference on Education in February 2019.

As for winning, LaSusa said he is among good company.

"The other regional superintendents are very impressive and I am honored just to be considered alongside them," LaSusa said.

(Photo courtesy of NJASA)

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