Dear Colleagues:

Today is a historic occasion. More than 75 years ago, as our nation was preparing to defend freedom and democracy around the world, the recruitment of administrative professionals first became a stated national objective. The highly valued contributions of these professionals were seen by our country’s leaders as essential, not only to the success of the war effort, but to the health of the economy. It was the first national recognition of what this very day has become, Administrative Professionals Day.

It was clear to our national leadership during World War II that no achievement of great consequence was possible without the support of those who make all great things happen. It has been true ever since on matters both military and civilian.

And while our own administrative professionals are not called upon this year to help win a world war, they are called upon to help us prevail in another great national cause, that of educating our youth.

The job title does not do justice to those who hold it. Administrative Professional does not describe the range of skills and duties or the impact these quiet heroes bring to our schools and departments every day. They are trusted diplomats, patient psychologists, inexhaustible care-givers, organizational knowledge experts, insightful problem-solvers, and most of all, passionate team players.

Education is a people business. And among the most powerful words in education is engagement. We know from studies that student learning rises significantly when students are involved, excited and motivated in school. The same holds true for those in our broader communities. When our parents, volunteers, and local partners are engaged in our schools and with our students, all boundaries around performance disappear.

There is a true story about a company that, years ago, faced a difficult decision when business slowed down and they had to lay off employees. They chose what they thought was the least painful solution—keep all the executives and lay off all the administrative professionals. The problem was that none of the executives were able to do the job of their administrative staff and the company’s operations quickly reached a crisis stage.

Two weeks later, all the administrative professionals were rehired.

Our national leaders got it right 75 years ago. The success of every organizational effort, in war, peace and education, is built upon the strong foundation of a support team that cares deeply about excellence.

To all of our administrative professionals—thank you for choosing Albemarle County Public Schools—and for being such a strong foundation upon which to achieve our education mission, which has very much to do with war, peace and the economy.

Pam

Pam Moran
Superintendent