Mike Foster, 2008 Candidate for High School Commission Secretary

I am asking for your vote to represent you on the MASSP High School Commission. As one of the "old goats" (1976 to present) who has a broad variety of administrative experience in both inner-city urban, small-town rural, and now a suburban high school I have acquired an appreciation for the strengths and issues accompanying each kind of district.

For example;

Rural districts with strong community identification can be at a disadvantage because they can be left out of the mainstream , lack economies of scale for many things, and need "consultant" types of services to comply with new initiatives and legal changes.

Inner-city schools benefit from diversity and have economies of scale, but they may suffer from the social ills that accompany declining enrollments, economic problems stemming from the loss of industry, and violence issues.

Suburban schools have economic advantages and demographic strengths but
need assistance with uneven growth, increasing economic stress from rising fuel costs, and now many are dealing with increasing numbers of special needs students and school of choice/mobility issues.

All districts are struggling with the rate of change in curriculum, school legislation, and inconsistent economic support from government. Now we are facing additional pressure to both break-up large high schools and at the same time pressure to combine small districts and services to LEA's.

Public education today is in a tremendous state of flux, particularly at the secondary level. Now, more than ever, we need the support and assistance of our professional association to successfully negotiate the increasingly complex network of legislative mandates, curriculum requirements, and community expectations/demands.

Membership services that respond to rapidly changing needs for all kinds of high schools is my purpose for seeking the MASSP High School Commission. I believe MASSP has done an excellent job adjusting to the ever changing educational landscape and I want to I believe I can contribute to MASSP by supporting the growth and addition of member services to all levels and types of high schools.

My experience in a variety of districts, demographic contexts, and economic situations has taught me that the longer I do this, the more the job teaches me. There are continuously new challenges to be met by principals and that the front-line people in that office need the continued active support and assistance of MASSP.

Like so many of you, I have learned and experienced many things during my career as an administrator and would like an opportunity to give something back to MASSP, my fellow principals, and the students of this State. I again ask for your support for the High School Commission.
Thank You,
Mike Foster, DeWitt High School