Dr. John Folks, Superintendent of Northside ISD, assumed the presidency of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) on June 1. Folks, who succeeds Rick Howard of Comanche ISD, will serve as President through May 31, 2010.
"I look forward to working with the other members of the association, furthering its goals, and promoting the importance of quality education in the state of Texas," Folks said.
Folks heads one of the largest and fastest-growing school districts in Texas and has been an educator for 39 years. He is beginning his 23rd year as a school superintendent.
"School leadership is very important to the success of public schools," he said, "and I think TASA contributes to the development of great school leaders."
A vocal advocate for public education, Folks has been a member of TASA for 12 years, and has served on numerous committees including the Executive and Legislative committees. A native of Oklahoma, Folks also is a Past President of the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, the equivalent to TASA.
"We have a lot of challenges ahead," Folks said. "The legislative session has ended, and there are going to be changes to the accountability system. We must plan now for the implementation of those changes, as well as meet the challenges of an inadequate school finance system."
Folks also said that in difficult economic times, addressing school funding and equity issues will be the key to the success of all Texas schools.
"I hope, as an association, that we will be able to address these challenges in such a way that the students of Texas can benefit and be well-served for the years to come," he added.
In addition to his TASA service, Folks also serves on the Legislative Council of the University Interscholastic League, the Steering Committee of the Fast Growth School Coalition, and the Board of Directors of the Texas Academic Decathlon. He is the Past President of the Texas School Alliance and Past President of the Texas Association of Suburban/Mid-Urban Schools.
TASA is the professional organization of more than 2,000 superintendents, administrators, and others interested in public education. Founded in 1925, its mission is to promote, provide, and develop leadership that champions educational excellence.
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