Farewell Message from the BASA President 2025

Farewell Message from the BASA President

As I pen this final article in my role as President of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA), I do so with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and hope. It has been an absolute pleasure and profound privilege to serve as President of this incredible organization. Over the past year, I have been blessed with the opportunity to engage with and learn from passionate, talented, and committed educational leaders from every corner of our great state.

From regional gatherings to state-level advocacy, informal conversations to formal boardroom discussions, each encounter has reinforced just how fortunate Ohio is to have such dedicated individuals leading our schools. Your vision, resilience, and willingness to collaborate continue to inspire me. Together, we’ve championed student success, upheld the value of public education, and advanced innovative solutions in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Service is central to who I am. Leading this organization has not only affirmed that calling but also has deepened my respect for those who step into leadership every day—not for recognition or reward, but to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and communities.

As I transition into the role of Past President, I remain as committed as ever to BASA’s mission and to supporting its continued growth. I want to thank the BASA staff, Executive Committee, and membership for your trust, your counsel, and your encouragement throughout this journey. I’m especially grateful to those who offered their wisdom, partnership, and friendship along the way—you have enriched my leadership and my life.

To the next generation of leaders, I offer this encouragement: lead with integrity, speak with courage, listen with compassion, and always remember that the work you do matters. The future of education in Ohio is bright because it’s in your capable hands.

Thank you again for the honor of serving as your President. I look forward to seeing where our shared commitment to excellence and equity in education will lead us next.

With gratitude and admiration,
Dr. Michael Barnes
 President, Buckeye Association of School Administrators