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Mia Small, Historian
A great deal
of hard work and perseverance led to the formation of HASA. For the
first time in the early 70’s , independent-minded, school based
administrators with a vision, had a voice to give members of the
Hillsborough Association of School Administrators the means of
providing a network and to be heard on proposed legislation of
importance to the membership.
The first
Executive Director of HASA was Donald Ross Gillette. Following him were
Lyle Flagg, Dr. Jack Lamb and currently Dr. John Miliziano, who serves
the organization with energy, dedication and determination. Early
Presidents included Glenn Barrington, Don Yoho and Dr. John Sessums
and at one point only included school-based administrators.
Currently, the membership spans the all administrative groups and
has recently included non-instructional managers, supervisors and
coordinators. Although Dr. Miliziano’s previously mentioned
predecessors have all retired, the association is pleased to report that
at this time, HASA has over 70 retired administrators who
have remained members. As the Exectuve Director for HASA, Dr. Miliziano
provides vision and direction towars HASA’s strategic goals and helps to
set priorities which includes increasing other benefits to members.
Recent presidents include Lou Cerreta, Pat Smith, Dr. Ken Allen,
Charlotte Valenti, Mark West, Nuri Ayres, Brenda Kearse, Sylvia
Albritton, and Dr. Sandy Bunkin. Linda Dennison, President for the
2010-2011 school year, continues to provide Professional Development for
HASA members, communicates legislative updates and of course, strives to
increase membership.
As did its
counterpart, (CTA) the Classroom Teachers Association in 1976, HASA
formed as a non-profit corporation to facilitate its objectives and to
limit liability of the dues-paying membership. That was done with the
purpose “to promote the general welfare, encourage unity, and establish
communication between the components and to exercise leadership
forwarding the purposes and needs of the membership and of the public
schools.”
HASA
emphasizes that there is strength in numbers and solidarity of purpose.
HASA continues to grow and enjoys success in the improvement of working
conditions and benefits for its over 725 members. Although
the goals of the association have changed slightly during the past 30
years, HASA is becoming more politically proactive at the local and
state levels. Providing members with greater opportunities to be
involved in the organization, emphasizing improved communications, and
providing many leadership opportunities have become the group’s
priorities. HASA should be a force in education for many years to come.
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