February Update
Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals
Hope Is Action: Finding Your Path, Step by Step
Dear AAESP Members,
It’s February, and I know many of us are feeling the weight of the moment. The headlines are tough—federal politics, state politics, local budget cuts—it’s a lot. And yet, despite it all, here you are, showing up every day for your students, your staff, and your communities. That alone is hope in action.
Hope isn’t about waiting for things to get better. It’s about the steps we take, even in uncertain times, to make things better. We don’t have to fix everything overnight, but we can move forward—step by step, together.
Step One: Advocate with Purpose
You don’t need to have all the answers to make a difference—you just need to use your voice. Whether it’s sharing what’s happening in your schools, pushing for the funding we need, or making sure policymakers understand the realities we face, advocacy matters.
One of the best ways to do this? Join us for the ACSA Legislative Fly-In. This is our chance to connect directly with lawmakers and make sure they hear from the people who know our schools best—us. If you’ve never participated before, don’t worry. It’s not about having the perfect speech; it’s about showing up, sharing real stories, and reminding decision-makers what’s at stake.
📢 Learn more and sign up here: ACSA Legislative Fly-In
Other simple ways to advocate:
- Share a small win from your school with a policymaker.
- Show up for a school board or legislative session.
- Connect with fellow principals—we’re stronger together.
Step Two: Lead with Transparency
Your staff and community aren’t looking for you to have all the answers—they just need you to be real with them. Leading through tough times isn’t about pretending everything is fine; it’s about being honest while keeping people focused on what we can do.
What helps?
- Acknowledge challenges, but frame them with solutions. People appreciate honesty, but they also need a sense of direction.
- Keep communication clear and consistent. Even if the news isn’t great, keeping people informed builds trust.
- Invite staff, families, and community members into the conversation. Leadership isn’t about carrying everything alone.
We Move Forward Together
If you’re feeling exhausted, frustrated, or uncertain—you’re not alone. But if there’s one thing I know about this group, it’s that we don’t sit back and wait for things to change. We take steps forward, even when the path is tough.
Every conversation, every connection, every effort to push for what’s right—it all adds up. Hope isn’t passive. Hope is what we do.
With gratitude,
Lori Rucksdashel
AAESP President
Principal, Birchwood Elementary School
Position & School: Principal at Birchwood Elementary School in Chugiak, AK
School Website/Facebook page and link: https://www.asdk12.org/birchwoodabc or find us on Facebook here, https://www.facebook.com/BWABC123
Years served as an administrator: 3
Schools served as an administrator: Birchwood ES and previous Assistant Principal at Baxter Elementary in Anchorage, AK
Why did you decide to become an administrator: I became an administrator to make a greater impact on students, teachers, and the community. While I influenced my own classroom as a teacher, administration allows me the opportunity to support student success and teacher growth. My goal is to ensure ALL students receive a high-quality education in a safe and engaging environment.
What is your definition of a successful school? A successful school is one where all students feel safe, valued, and challenged to reach their full potential. It’s a place where teachers collaborate, reflect, and continuously improve their practice to meet all students' needs.
Biggest struggle and how to fix: We have reached a point where an increasing number of students qualify for special programs, and it is our responsibility to meet them where they are by providing the necessary support for their success. To achieve this, we must adapt our instructional practices rather than relying on traditional methods, ensuring that all students have access to the tools and strategies they need to thrive.
Biggest success achieved as an administrator so far: Both schools where I have served as an administrator have self-contained special education programs. I made it my mission to advocate for greater inclusion within these programs. One of my greatest accomplishments as an administrator has been fostering a school culture where inclusion is a priority and every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. "All means all" was my theme at the start of the 23/24 school year, but it really is the foundation of my approach to education, emphasizing that every student, regardless of ability, deserves access to high-quality learning experiences and a sense of belonging.
Favorite quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy” ~Theodore Roosevelt
What advice would you give those entering the field of school administration? Build relationships with staff, students & community. Be flexible. Keep students at the center of every decision you make. Communicate; clear is kind. Prioritize balance and find ways to recharge. You can only lead effectively if you take care of you!
Last book you read? “School Culture Recharged” (Gruenert & Whitaker, 2017) & currently reading, “The Energy Bus for Schools” (Gordon & Van Allan, 2024).
Anything else you would like to share? I have the greatest job in the world!
Dear Alaska Principals,
As leaders in your schools and communities, your voice is critical in shaping education policy. With the legislative session in full swing, we urge you to engage in advocacy efforts that will impact the future of our schools and students.
Key issues under consideration include:
- HB 69 : Increasing the Base Student Allocation (BSA)
- HB 78: Retirement Systems; Defined Benefit Option – Addressing educator retirement to improve retention
- Governor’s Omnibus Education Bill, SB 82/HB76 – A comprehensive package with potential impacts on funding and policy
Your advocacy is essential to ensuring lawmakers understand the needs of our schools. One of the best ways to make an impact is by participating in the ACSA Legislative Fly-In, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet directly with legislators and make your voice heard. If you haven’t already, be sure to register today!
As part of our efforts to support educator recruitment, the Alaska Educator Retention & Recruitment Center (AERRC) will share details on upcoming virtual job fairs. If your district isn’t already subscribed to Alaska Teacher & Personnel (AT&P), we encourage you to do so to take full advantage of these hiring opportunities.
This year, the Alaska School Leadership Institute (ASLI) will also focus on educator retention. We encourage you to attend the event with your district leadership teams in Anchorage on May 28-30.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to Alaska’s students. Please reach out if we can be of assistance to you.
Let’s make sure our voices are heard in Juneau!
Be well,
Dr. Lisa S. Parady
ACSA Executive Director
Contact Us
Email: jrinaldi@alaskaacsa.org
Website: www.alaskaprincipal.org
Location: 234 Gold Street, Juneau, AK, USA
Phone: 907.242.9989
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akprincipals
