By Edward Henderson, California Black Media
The California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) is a group of educational leaders from across the state. The organization is committed to identifying critical issues in public education related to the performance of African American students and addressing them through education reform initiatives.
Its membership includes school superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors, and administrators. CAAASA has a long-standing history of hosting institutes, meetings, conferences, and various special events focused on education.
Serving as an informational resource to the California Department of Education (CDE), CAAASA makes recommendations on several of the department’s priorities, including curriculum and instruction, staff development, parent involvement, funding, and gender specific issues.
CAAASA has submitted testimony to the Speaker of the Assembly aimed at improving the status of African American males relative to their over-representation in the penal system and underrepresentation in the nation’s colleges and universities.
Additionally, CAAASA has worked in partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) to sponsor events and programs that have been successful in addressing the needs of African American students.
This year, the organization sponsored a statewide conference in Sacramento titled, “Education is a Civil Right.”
Recently, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Dr. Adam Clark, the President of CAAASA, about the organization’s successes, disappointments, lessons learned and future plans heading into the new year.
Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
What was your most important achievement in 2024 and why?
The most important achievement was organizing our statewide professional development summit to mark the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. We focused on research and strategies to improve education for African American and other students of color. Afterward, we partnered with the National Coalition of Educational Equity to host a convening in Washington D.C., continuing our efforts to drive progress.
How did your leadership and investments improve the lives of Black Californians?
We launched two new Leadership Academies for aspiring administrators and superintendents. These programs help build a pipeline of future administrators committed to improving education for all students, especially students of color. By focusing on closing opportunity gaps, we’re ensuring Black Californians have the support and resources they need to succeed in the education system.
What frustrated you the most over the last year?
The ongoing inequities Black students face are the most frustrating. Despite our progress, challenges still exist.
What inspired you the most over the last year?
I was inspired by the collaboration and energy at our national conference in Washington D.C., where leaders from across the country united to focus on educational equity. Seeing so many passionate advocates gave me hope that real, lasting change is possible when we work together.
What lesson did you learn in 2024 that will guide your decisions next year?
I learned the importance of collective action. Building coalitions of educators, lawmakers, and civil rights leaders is essential to addressing the root causes of inequity in our schools.
CBM: What is the biggest challenge Black Californians face in one word?
Inequity.
CBM: What is your main goal for 2025?
My main goal is to speed up the implementation of evidence-based strategies that improve Black student achievement. Through partnerships, policy work, and professional development, I want to ensure our schools are equipped to meet the needs of Black students and help every learner succeed.
