There is a clear and immediate need for all public school supervisors and administrators to join together under the umbrella of a strong professional organization that, not only understands their needs, but is also capable of articulating their concerns to the various components who are stakeholders in the New York State public education system. The varied and frequently conflicting demands of special interest groups, the increasing anti-administration tone of the state executive and legislative components of government, the politics of local boards of education and their state counterparts, the increasing expectations for schools to fill the void created by the changing role of parenting, and the pressures of contemporary society have created unrealistic expectations for the public school system. In addition, the detractors of the public school system have found powerful allies among the media who have chosen to slay the messenger as opposed to heeding the message.

It is clear that unless a concerted effort is made to educate the public as to the real strengths and weaknesses of our state's public school system, the face of education throughout New York State will change drastically in the next decade. Thus, it is the mission of the Empire State Supervisors & Administrators Association (ESSAA) to champion the cause of public school education, and to provide extensive and comprehensive legal support and direct legislative representation to its membership. It is through this communication and support system that our society can establish realistic expectations for our public school system and for the dedicated professional supervisors and administrators who oversee them.