For Immediate Release                                                              For more information, contact:
                                                                                                  Denise L. Berkhalter
                                                                                  dberkhalter@alabamaschoolboards.org

Sally Howell Tapped as New AASB Executive Director

MONTGOMERY, AL – (June 19, 2007) – The Alabama Association of School Boards announced today that Sally Howell, assistant executive director for six years, has been tapped as executive director pending contract negotiations.

In her new leadership capacity, Howell will manage the association’s affairs, direct legislative efforts, expand learning opportunities for Alabama’s school boards and build public support.
She is also charged with continuing to enhance the association’s presence within the state and nation and to develop programs that address 21st century principles and the association’s goals and objectives.

“Public schools are vital to our democracy because they can give every child – no matter where he or she was born – a chance to have a successful life,” said Howell, who was hired June 16 after a competitive search. “It is a privilege to work with state and local leaders to give children that chance at the life they deserve.”

Howell, a native of St. Louis, joined the AASB staff in 1986 and previously served as director of public relations, director of communications and director of research and special projects. As assistant executive director, she developed a Policy Reference Guide, wrote and edited the Court Report newsletter, fielded calls from members requesting advice and assistance and coordinated Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys activities.

The former newspaper reporter has received awards for her writing and publications from the National School Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Council of Alabama and the Alabama Press Association.

Howell earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and her law degree from the Birmingham School of Law. She was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2003.

After more than 20 years with AASB, Howell brings significant expertise in education law and policy.

During various stages of her career, she has conducted specialized training for school board attorneys and local school board members, directed policy services, served as a liaison to the state Board of Education and testified on legislative issues.

“Sally Howell, as our new executive director, will be a catalyst for increasing support of public education,” said AASB President Jim Methvin. “Her energy, commitment and her collaborative leadership style will greatly move the association forward.”

In a joint statement, the AASB Board of Directors said: “Sally has the vision, skills, passion and enthusiasm to take AASB to a higher level of service for school board members across the state. She will provide a fresh and strategically planned approach, and she has the ability to lead the implementation of the association’s mission.”

Howell replaces outgoing Executive Director Dr. Sandra Sims-deGraffenried whose retirement from AASB after more than 19 years is effective June 30. Sims-deGraffenried joined AASB in 1985 as assistant executive director and became executive director in 1988. Highlights of Sims-deGraffenried’s tenure include launching the AASB School Board Academy; obtaining nearly $1.3 million in grant money to reimburse school boards for professional development; attaining and sustaining 100 percent membership of school boards in AASB; organizing a national award winning legislative initiative that yielded millions of unexpected dollars for local boards; implementing the Medicaid claiming program that has recaptured more than $55 million for local boards; and leading the charge for establishing a state Proration Prevention Account.

In their statement, the AASB Board members said: “The board would like to recognize and thank Dr. Sandra Sims-deGraffenried for her outstanding contributions as the association's executive director.”

The Alabama Association of School Boards represents all of the state’s public local school boards.  For 58 years, AASB has served education leaders and the interests of local lay control of public education. Headquartered in Montgomery, AASB provides members with a wide array of services, including boardmanship training seminars, risk management programs, legal assistance and policy research.