Welcome to the VASPA Fall Conference for the 2004-2005 school year. As in past years we have many challenges facing us; from NCLB directives to new FLSA interpretations, it's been quite a year. Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to speak with many Human Resource professional from around the state and it always wonderful to hear as a professional and as a parent that we have not lost site of the real goal: to find the Best and the Brightest teachers for all of our children.

This conference is designed to help you reflect on your many responsibilities in the workplace and update you on significant issues that lay ahead. The conference is also designed to provide you with an opportunity to network with your colleagues from other school districts from around the state.

It is our hope that you will leave this conference renewed and inspired to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

Harold Fitrer,
President, VASPA

Editorial Projects in Education (aka Education Week, Teacher Magazine and Agent K-12) will sponsor the Job Fair scheduled for 3-6 pm on November 3, 2004. Go to the "Virginia Teacher 2004 Recruitment Job Fair" page on the VASPA's 2004 Fall Conference and Job Fair Web page to see a new recruitment feature being provided this year by our Job Fair sponsor. While you're there, take a moment to visit other highlighted places on the Web page to become familiar with all of the other events and activities in store for participants including access to forms for the job fair, conference, hotel and VASPA membership registration.

This year's conference theme is, "Our Role in an Era of Accountability" and encourages your participation to recharge your spirit, sharpen your skills, and renew your bonds of fellowship. What better place is there to do that, especially at this time of year, than Charlottesville and what better group of people is there to do it with than VASPA friends and colleagues!

See you real soon in Charlottesville.

VASPA Executive Committee