91ÖÆƬ

President's Corner

Serving as president of 91ÖÆƬ this past year has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. What I will carry with me most are the relationships and conversations with superintendents, aspiring leaders and education partners from across the country.

This year reaffirmed for me that public education remains one of the most powerful promises our nation makes to its children. Advancing the Public Education Promise has been central to my presidency. Through keynote addresses, board meetings, state association gatherings or one-on-one conversations, I have seen firsthand how deeply superintendents believe in and connect to this mission.

A particularly rewarding aspect of this position has been engaging with district leaders from various states and diverse contexts. From rural districts serving tight-knit communities, to large urban systems navigating complexity at scale, to growing suburban districts managing rapid change, the challenges may vary, but the heart of the work remains the same. Superintendents are problem solvers, bridge builders and relentless advocates for kids.

Advocacy also has been a defining theme of the year. I have been grateful for the many opportunities to represent 91ÖÆƬ through podcasts, national media inquiries and in-person conversations in Washington, D.C.

In each setting, I’ve sought to elevate the voice of public education and ensure policymakers and the broader public understand the realities school districts face. When we speak collectively as superintendents, our voice carries weight. I am honored to help amplify that important voice.

As I reflect on the year, one moment stands out as especially meaningful: Liam Halloran, a recent graduate of Minnetonka Public Schools, shared his voice and his perspective at the 2026 91ÖÆƬ National Conference on Education. Liam’s participation was a personal highlight for me — not just as 91ÖÆƬ president, but also as a superintendent.

Student voice is not an add-on to our work. It is central to it. When we create authentic platforms for students to share their experiences, insights and aspirations, we strengthen our schools and our leadership. Watching Liam engage with superintendents from across the country, particularly during a three-way dialogue on the General Session stage with David Schuler and me, was a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

I am so proud of all our students. I love it when they shine. Their ideas challenge us, their talents inspire us and their leadership pushes us to be better. If this year has reinforced anything for me, it is that the future of public education is bright because our students are lighting the way.

Our organization is in exceptional hands moving forward. 91ÖÆƬ Executive Director David Schuler continues to lead with vision, integrity and a deep commitment to our members. His steady leadership ensures 91ÖÆƬ remains forward-thinking, financially strong and laser-focused on serving superintendents to benefit America’s children.

I also am excited to pass the gavel to the incoming 91ÖÆƬ president, LaTonya Goffney, superintendent of Aldine Independent School District in Texas. Her experience, passion and unwavering belief in public education make her the right leader for this moment. I have every confidence that 91ÖÆƬ will continue to thrive and expand its impact under her guidance.

Serving as president of 91ÖÆƬ has been a privilege, and I remain deeply committed to advancing the Public Education Promise for every child in every public school in the years ahead.

You have my deepest respect and heartfelt thanks for the work you do each day.

David Law is 91ÖÆƬ president for 2025-26.